From Grief to Glitter: How Two Christmas Trees Turned My Holidays Around

The holidays have always held a special place in my heart. It’s a time of reflection, celebration, and connection—moments spent savoring the warmth of family and friends, even amidst the chill of December. But in recent years, my celebration of the season has taken on a unique twist.

For a few magical days in New York City, I find myself singing carols with strangers in Bryant Park, catching the vibrant energy of the TODAY Show, and taking countless photos with strangers and two of my dearest friends who dress as Christmas trees. This has become one of my most cherished traditions, a vibrant, quirky celebration of life and joy.

It all started seven years ago. I was at the Rockefeller Center ice rink, watching the famous Christmas tree light up the night sky during the NBC broadcast. There, among the crowd, were two women in glittering Christmas tree costumes. Their energy was magnetic, their laughter infectious. We struck up a conversation, and what began as a casual chat turned into a friendship that has profoundly shaped my life.

These remarkable women, Carol Ann Hoard and Tisha Dedmon, are known as the #NYCTreeGirls. Their story is rooted in resilience and the power of shared joy. Their connection deepened when Tisha learned how Carol Ann, a youth pastor, had once counseled students after the death of Tisha’s son, Tripp, who was a junior in high school.

Carol Ann and Tisha decided to channel their holiday energy into something extraordinary. Both had experienced loss—Carol Ann grieving her father, and Tisha struggling with the bittersweet memories of her son’s December 2^nd birthday. They decided to turn their grief into something magical by dressing as Christmas trees and spreading joy across the streets of New York City. And thus, the #NYCTreeGirls were born.

Their mission? Simple: to bring light, laughter, and connection to everyone they meet. Dressed in festive tree costumes, they parade the city, dancing through department stores, posing for photos, and chatting with strangers. The effect is profound. I’ve seen it firsthand—how hardened New Yorker exteriors soften into smiles, how strangers erupt into laughter and, sometimes, tears as they open up to these spirited women. The #NYCTreeGirls reminds us all of the importance of joy, kindness, and human connection.

Beyond their NYC adventures, Carol Ann and Tisha extend their mission of kindness to their hometown of Shelby, North Carolina. Each year, after their New York tour, they visit elementary schools, nursing homes, hospice centers, and dialysis clinics, bringing light to those who need it most. Their efforts include fundraising for local charities, furthering their impact within their community.

This friendship has been a gift. We facetime weekly, sharing updates, laughter, and encouragement. When I was preparing for my mother’s funeral, they were there—offering comfort and support and driving 9 hours each way to be there in person. Over time, my family and friends have come to know and love them as much as I do, embracing them as part of our extended family.

Their laughter and kindness inspire me daily. They remind me to see the world with open eyes and an open heart. To pause and connect with the people we pass each day—to ask how they’re doing and to truly listen. They’ve shown me the importance of embracing little Daryl inside me, the one who loves the holidays with unbridled wonder and joy.

Regardless of your faith, beliefs, or circumstance, the #NYCTreeGirls offer a universal message: joy is contagious, kindness is powerful, and every person has a story worth hearing. If you need a little reminder of what the holidays—and life—are truly about, I encourage you to follow them on their journey. They’ve brought happiness to thousands, myself included, and I know they’ll continue to do so for years to come.

In a season that can sometimes feel overwhelming or bittersweet, the #NYCTreeGirls shine as a beacon of hope. Their friendship has turned grief into joy, AND their kindness is a reminder of life’s beautiful possibilities. For that, and so much more, I am forever grateful.