LOS ANGELES — Getting ready for the holidays requires ladders, ropes and a harness. That's because Juan Marquez climbs to the top of the tallest tree in his front yard to drape it in lights while his kids watch.

Celebrating Christmas has always been a big deal for Marquez, although he didn't always have all the trappings he has now. Growing up on a small ranch in rural Mexico, he didn't even have electricity. Back then, if there were any gifts exchanged, they were often homemade.

Even though he is a successful business owner now, he said the meager mindset never left him. He's been using and mending most of the same decorations since the 1990s.

Some traditions, such as having his extended family over to feast on tamales, have been put on hold due to the pandemic.

"I mean we've been doing the same work around the house decorating-wise with a lot less food because there's less of us. That's the only difficult thing, that you don't see the table full like you used to before," Marquez said.

There are empty seats at the dinner table and empty seats in office buildings around the country, which financially impacts Marquez. He owns a car wash chain attached to commercial high rises, so the prominence of remote work puts him in a tough spot.

"I'm very religious, I guess. I believe that everything is going to get better and normal sooner or later," Marquez said.

Marquez said he plans to deck the halls as long as he's well enough to climb and crawl.