How To Survive The Holiday Season
Christmas Trees
I know I mentioned Christmas Trees a bit in the post last week, but upon further reflection, I decided that they needed their own blog.
First Disclaimer: By Christmas Tree I mean the tree that one puts up in honor of the season. One of my children's grandfathers was Jewish. They had a Hanukkah bush that looked just like our tree at home, except with no manger scene stuff. I have no problem with a Winter Solstice tree either. For me, calling it a Christmas tree is generic for holiday tree to celebrate the season.
We know that Christmas trees have their historical roots in Northern Europe. They probably were originally used by non-Christians. The modern use of trees brought into the home to decorate for the holidays comes from Germany via Queen Victoria and her husband. They imported the custom of having candle lit trees to England. The idea spread to America. Technology gave the ability to do away with the dangerous flames and the modern Christmas tree was born. The early trees showed the wealth (or lack) of the owners. But even poor people wanted this symbol of the holiday season. Inventive decorators used European ideas of stringing popcorn and other grain items that animals could eat (on outdoor trees). Tin from cans could be cut into shapes to decorate. Paper chains could be make and used as garlands. If there was a will, a tree could be made beautiful.
I find it interesting that the tradition of a Christmas tree is one of the few holiday traditions that is not changing drastically due to modern technology. Christmas cards are becoming rare. Emails with gift cards are changing how we send presents, etc. But a Christmas tree is still recognizably a Christmas tree.
Whether you have a large or small one, real or plastic, green or neon, we've been having Christmas trees for a long time. Every family has it's own way of doing all of it. When to buy the tree, when it put it up, etc. What works for your family? Be prepared to change your traditions when circumstances require it. For example, your family may have always had a huge tree in the front room. But now you are part of a newly married couple living in a teeny, tiny apartment. Your big tree wouldn't leave any room for you! For that year, you may decide to get a miniature tree to put on a table. Presents can go underneath. Promise yourself a big, beautiful tree some time in the future and start slowly buying ornaments.
There's always the question of live vs. a fake tree. There are some amazing fake trees out there, and with the ever increasing cost of real trees, it's not a bad idea. Circumstances will sometimes dictate the real vs. fake solution. If you're going to be gone over the holidays, a real tree is a potential fire hazard. You might consider buying a real wreath and letting the perfume from that deal with your need for Christmas tree small. And always, use a timer to control when a tree is lighted, most especially when you're out of town.
Speaking of safety, live trees need water. Certainly daily at first. Dry trees catch on fire easier. Something to avoid. Generally try not to have the lights on with a live tree when no one is home. Make sure family members know what to do in case the tree does catch on fire. And, of course, make sure the tree is not placed (live or fake) too close to any source of combustion (fireplace, heater vents, etc.)
Where to buy your tree should be a family choice. For a fake tree, family opinion should be consulted since all of you are going to be dealing with it for a few years. A real tree should be a family outing as well. Some tree lots are strictly commercial, others give part of their profits to specific charities. For years I've only bought from a tree lot that is strictly a fund raiser for youth programs in our town. They even hire kids from the high school to help. They also have good trees.
Not all Christmas trees are the same. While most are in the pine tree family, there are a lot of variations. What most appeals to your family? Personally, I am fond of trees that smell good but don't drop needles easily. Is it just me, or are pine needles the world's hardest things to get out of carpet? I can find them (and odd bits of tinsel) in in corners of my house months later.
As I said, when my kids were young, we all went. I should note that there are tree farms which can either sell live trees to be transplanted outdoors after, or very fresh Christmas trees. There is nothing like the smell of a live tree in a car.
Fortunately for me, my husband and the kids would usually handle getting the tree from the car to inside the house. My job was to clear out the designated area, vacuum same, and make sure the boxes with the tree stuff was in the same room. I do not have the ability to see a straight line, so it was up to my husband and the kids to make sure the tree was straight once we got it in it's stand in the house.
Where to put the tree once it's in the house is a matter of serious consideration. We had one house with a lovely bay window facing the street. I knew from the minute we first looked at that house where our Christmas tree would go. I do like being able to see my tree from outside.
Once the tree is in place, lights should go on first. That's a safety thing. Check the lights to make sure they work before starting to put them on. Getting them on right is really a 2 person job. After the lights are on and properly adjusted, then the family can start putting on ornaments.
My tree, like my house, is not a decorator's delight. The tree is usually crammed with as many of our favorite ornaments as we can put on it. Everyone in the family has certain ornaments that they feel that only they can put on properly. Certain ornaments relating to my kids have been claimed by them and as they establish their own homes as adults I plan to send those ornaments to them. I like the idea of my kids taking memories with them when they move on. After all, some of the ornaments I have came from my parents...
Putting up and decorating the Christmas tree should be a fun family time. Turn off the tv and computers. Put on some holiday music. Maybe eat some holiday cookies and certainly have some hot chocolate. Christmas is really starting! It doesn't hurt to have some presents already wrapped and ready to go under the tree.
I apologize, I need to end this for now. Part 2 to be posted, hopefully, tomorrow.
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