Selecting the right Christmas tree remains an important tradition in my family. Now, I do not mean my family and I embark on a Chevy Chase-esque adventure, slogging through fields of snow with axes in hand in search of the perfect tree, but it is a special part of Christmas nonetheless.
Having strapped the “Chosen” tree to the roof of the car, trawled it through the house, hacked at the trunk so that it will fit into the base and made sure that the tree is standing straight, we cannot bear to look at the thing any longer. “Why didn’t we just buy one of those already decorated, perfect looking plastic trees?” my sister would shout while unknotting the fairly lights. I always struggle to understand how the Christmas tree lights manage to knot themselves while they are in a sealed box, shoved away in the attic. They do though, without fail.
Once the tree is standing proudly, decorated from top to toe in an almighty collection of baubles gathered together over more than 20 years, you begin to appreciate the sentiment of a Christmas tree. In a few hours, a fairly plain and non-distinct tree is transformed. It now carries memories from your childhood, the presence of family members who have passed away and (unfortunately) a new place for the dog to mark his territory.
Christmas trees are a once-a-year occasion, which create a fresh smell from within the house and a smile for all who view it. Do not let the hassle and mess put you off, embrace the spirit and decorate a real Christmas tree this – or next? – Christmas. After all, they only last for a few weeks and then you have to endure the hassle of un-decorating and disposing the retched thing that now resembles a stalk, because its pine needles have fallen to the floor. But, I won’t go into that…
Now, I appreciate that this blog would have been more appropriate a few weeks ago, but take a look at your tree and see how it can be improved. Let the kids’ loose on Christmas Eve and make some homemade decorations. This website has some brilliant examples.
