As I was on my usual run through my neighborhood, I noticed that my neighbors had a large holly tree budding with vibrant, red berries. For a few moments, I was confused why a tree that is so associated with winter and the holiday season was blooming right in front of me, in the middle of April. I had always assumed that the tree was an autumn one, and patiently waited through the spring and summer to shine during it’s time. With little knowledge of plant life, I had a feeling that there was just something special about the tall beauty in front of me.
With a Google search or two, I learned that holly plant berries begin to ripen and turn red in the fall. They then persevere through the cold and harsh winters, to finally fully bloom in the late spring and early summer. I find it fascinating that the tiniest of berries on a tree are able to endure freezing temperatures and snow for an entire season, only to become visions of beauty in a few short months. It is almost as if the harsh conditions are preparing the holly berries to be their strongest, most beautiful selves, just when the right time comes.
The holly tree represents that even the coldest and harshest of hardships are not strong enough to destroy those that persist. Life is a bumpy journey, and if you wait for the right time to do something, you’ll be waiting all of your life. Push through with determination, and bloom.
– Selma Cemerlic
English 110 Honors Spring 2020 
“First off, I want to say I LOVE how you ended your post with such a deeper meaning far past just the simple holly tree you started off with. I found that the second picture, in particular, was quite beautiful. The vibrant red with the white flowers is such a lovely combination. I find it intriguing how holly is mostly, as you said, associated with winter and Christmas even though it blooms after, I would’ve never guessed! I appreciated the nature fact about the holly tree you added in. It’s always nice to learn something new everyday! 🙂 ” -Ciana Gadut
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I really appreciate the challenge you placed on such a common belief in this post. The holly tree is most definitely something I associate with the winter season (as I’m sure most others do as well), so hearing that a holly tree could possibly be blooming in April was intriguing.Because of this, I found myself wanting to read more of your post, wondering what you would find. I would have never known this about holly trees if it were not for your curiosity. Similarly, I appreciate the way you connect such a beautiful natural occurrence to something so uplifting in society. Thank you for your interest and great positivity.
Bray Fedele
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Selma,
Your post was so educational and inspirational. Like you, I have always associated the berries of the holly tree with winter, so I never put much thought into when the tree bloomed. Learning that, in reality, the berries start to ripen in the fall to wait all winter to blossom to their full potential is incredible. I love how you took this new fun fact and were able to spin it into a metaphor that is especially poignant now, among the COVID19 pandemic. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this piece, and thank you for educating me about the holly tree!
-Renea
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