First of all, I know I abbreviated Christmas with “Xmas.” I know some people are offended by this, thinking it's a way of trying to take Christ out of Christmas. That's not the case here. As some may not know, the custom of stating “Christmas” as “Xmas” dates back to when an “X” was used as a symbol to represent Christ (I reckon it had to do with Jesus and the cross). So when you see “Xmas,” it really is the same as “Christmas,” just shorter.
That's not really the topic of this week's visit. I want to talk about the debate between a “real” Xmas tree as opposed to a “fake” tree. I know there are traditionalists who insist on having a real tree every year. I remember a friend who was insistent on that. I know because I had a Jeep at the time and my friend had a little green convertible sports car. A little green convertible sports car is not really conducive to going out to cut and transport a real Xmas tree. Every year, I would get the call to “help” go to the tree farm, cut the tree down and transport it to her house. Fortunately, now I have a small sedan-type car and I don't get those calls any more. Plus, the tree farm has closed now.
Although I can see the appeal of a real tree, I prefer a fake tree. I have heard all the arguments. “Oh, I just love the smell of a real tree.” I say, that's what scented candles and Glade room sprays are for. Real trees tend to require a great deal of maintenance in keeping it watered. Almost like having a temporary pet. Then, there's the challenge of making sure the tree is level in that watering dish. That has always been a challenge in itself. I've always had trouble trying to make up for what nature itself didn't bother providing. Natural trees are notoriously uneven. That's just the way it is. I think the biggest objection is the mess. No matter how much the tree lot shakes and bakes the tree before tying it down on top of the Jeep, it's still going to leave a trail of needles as you carry it into the house. It will continue to shed like a big green cat until you take it out, sometime between New Years and Valentine's Day. Of course, by then you've completely given up on the whole watering thing. This only makes the shedding worse. On top of all that, one has to deal with all the sap that WILL cover your hands, arms, legs, back, hair and anything else it even remotely contacts.
I much prefer an artificial tree, especially those that are pre-lit. Just take it out of the box, attach a couple of pieces in the center and, there ya go; a tree ready for decorations and presents below. If I REALLY had my choice, I would go with one of those aluminum trees like my grandmother had. You know, the one with the color wheel? Talk about convenient! If you wanted red, just keep the wheel n red. Same with green, yellow or blue. Of course, if you wanted a variety of ever-changing colors, just let that plastic wheel turn. The changing colors could be completely mesmerizing.
Of course, no matter what kind of tree you decide on to help make your home more festive, I wish you all the very best the season has to offer. I hope you keep the joy of the season in your mind throughout the year, as well as the “X” in your heart.