Nattie Jo Powell, a mom and influencer, found herself in the internet’s spotlight in December 2023 after repainting her daughter’s plastic Christmas tree in neutral tones. The video went viral, attracting millions of views and earning Powell the moniker “sad beige mom” from critics who felt she was taking the color out of Christmas.
Powell’s follow-up videos, also widely viewed, continued to draw criticism. She explains to PEOPLE that the initial video was intended as lighthearted fun, and the overwhelming response, including negative comments and even threatening messages, was unexpected. While she learned to ignore the negativity, she acknowledges engaging in satire in some videos in response to assumptions made about her life.
This year, Powell surprised her followers with a vibrant makeover of the tree, transforming it with bright pinks and purples. The internet celebrated her “redemption arc.” However, Powell clarifies that the change wasn’t driven by online pressure. Her now two-year-old daughter, Vivian, developed a love for these colors, inspiring the colorful update.
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Last year’s neutral-toned Christmas tree sparked online debate.
The revamped pink and purple tree now resides outdoors as part of a Candyland-themed play area for Vivian to discover on Christmas Day. Powell purchased a new plastic tree for indoor play. She emphasizes that the original neutral tree wasn’t indicative of a color-deprived childhood for Vivian. At one year old, Vivian hadn’t yet developed a favorite color. Powell anticipated adapting to Vivian’s future color preferences.
Powell also highlights that her daughter had plenty of colorful toys, a fact unseen by those who only viewed the initial TikTok. Her intention was to have one aesthetically neutral item in the living room amidst other vibrant toys.
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This year’s vibrant tree reflects Vivian’s love for bright colors.
Powell finds the overwhelmingly positive response this year amusing, particularly because she didn’t expect people to remember the tree from the previous year. She notes the irony of receiving praise from some who previously criticized her.
Despite the internet’s perception of a change in her perspective, Powell maintains that her views on color and her approach to parenting remain consistent. With a background in child development and over a decade of experience working with children, she understands the importance of a colorful environment for a child’s development. The neutral tree was simply one toy among many.
Powell clarifies that while she appreciates calming neutrals, her home is typically filled with color. She reiterates that her daughter loves and is surrounded by color.
