If a tree falls in the forest...
***PHOTO UPDATE***
The annual tree hunt went on without a hitch yesterday. And by that, I mean the trailer hitch was not involved at all as they strapped the tree on top of the Pilot. It's a Norway spruce, about 7-8 feet tall, full and pretty and freshly cut from the acres and acres of evergreen varietals at the tree farm up Mission Creek road.
As the ritual takes shape once again, I wonder if it means anything? Granted, the tree is one among hundreds and thousands grown precisely for the purpose of being cut down in its youth and displayed in someone's home wearing garland and lights, its replacement to be planted in the spring. Ecologically I have no particular issue with that. But isn't the practice just a little bizarre?
"Here kids, let's bring a needle-dropping, flammable, dead tree into our home and cover it with things so it looks more like a statue of trinkets than a tree anyway. And if you're good, some old fat guy with wardrobe issues will leave the presents of your dreams underneath it."
Our culture says these things by deed if not word, and proclaims the tree to be the quintessential centerpiece of a holiday about which we don't want the children to become greedy or confused as to "the true meaning of Christmas". Wha??
The giving and receiving of gifts IS the reason for the season. Ask a retailer. Christmas has persisted as a holiday in this post-modern society we're brewing precisely because it means people will buy shit they wouldn't buy at any other time of the year. Like fruitcake. Or dead trees. An entire industry is built around growing and cutting young healthy trees for one day. But of course, now we put them up weeks before Christmas, so that makes it less bizarre??
Whatever. We hunted the tree, we cut the tree, we carried the tree home, and dutifully "conditioned" it in a bucket of water in the garage overnight. Today we will festoon the tree, the children will sigh with happiness and festively packaged presents will begin to accumulate.
And maybe my heart will grow back from the "two sizes too small" it has been so far this season. Hey, don't laugh. It could happen. I saw the Grinch...
posted by eclectic @ 7:13 AM
19 comments
19 Comments:
I think a lot of people are feeling a bit un-Christmassy this year, myself included. I put up the tiny fake tree my mom gave me last year - it's about 18" tall and sits on a plant stand by my livingroom window.
Still... it does make me smile, so that's something, right? Have fun w/ the tree-trimming!
I did mine, and when you're finished with yours, come sit by me and we'll have something to drink while we let the rest do whatever it is they do.
I liked the expression "Wardrobe Issues" - that was classic. I'm with you about Christmas. It's an odd practice and frankly, is a bit over-done.
Maybe we all could get together next year, skip the gifts and tree and just make it all about the pie.
:) Yes it does make you think . . . I decided to put lights on the fig tree. It works here but then I don't have young children. BTW, I already think you have a big heart, and don't see the need for it to grow.
I agree with Nanina, if your heart was ANY bigger there would be no room for the rest of our hearts.
As stupid as it sounds, I'd have a harder time actually cutting down a tree then going to buy one already cut and dying. Stupid huh? I guess I'm one of the "ignorance is bliss" kinda people....the worst kind to be.
I'm sure you'll get into the spirit once you see your kids faces lighting up with delight. Because THAT is truly what Christmas is about...family.
Take care and keep WARM!!
Happy decorating!
Santa is under contract to wear that outfit.
The other 364 days are completely Armani and Versace.
I don't think I've ever questioned the whole deal with the tree. Rampant consumerism, sure. The point of the fat guy in the suit, of course! But now that you mention it, the tree is a bit of an oddity and has nothing to do with you know, the birth of Christ and all given not many pine trees grow in the desert.
I'm sure once you see your children's faces light up, you'll forget all about the incongruities of the ritual. Have fun!
Wait til the kids are in bed, fast asleep, then have sex under the tree.
Whuh? I just thought I'd try to help you get in the spirit. I really love having a Christmas tree up. Ours isn't up yet; it's one of the few things in life on which I can delay gratification. We put it up late, and leave it up late. I may someday be one of those weird old ladies that keeps a tree up all year.
Oh, and your title reminds me of one of my favorite "jokes:" If a man makes a statement in a forest, and there's no woman there to hear him, is he still wrong?
Jen: Smiling = very good! What's with the wide-spread Scrooginess this year? I've noticed it too, and I'm at a loss to explain it. But, like you, I'm cheered by the tree being up, so that IS something, you're right!
Curtis: Oh yes, please!! Shall we build a fire, too? Because my tree is finished, so where's our drinks?
Jim: Now you're talking! Really... is there anything that can't be made more enjoyable by the addition of really good pie?
Nina: THAT is one of the nicest things you could ever say to me, and OH, don't I wish it were true! Believe me, there's room to grow...
Sooze: Some ignorance IS bliss. Or at least, bliss cannot co-exist with certain kinds of knowledge, so call it whichever...! And you're right, of course: delighted children are hard to deflect.
M/D: Ah, that clears it up, then. What a relief!
Romy: Thank you so much. Your lovely comment helped to provide the catalyst this year. I'm truly grateful.
Zuhn: Incongruities aside, it IS awfully pretty and it smells good, too.
Susie: Well, if it's for havin' sex under, I'd keep a tree around all year long, too! And a man can always be wrong, whether we're there or not... ;) You're just such a kick to be around, thanks for dropping by!
Ba Humbug!
Yea, thats how I feel.
I hope you get in the spirit!
Geez I would so love to come and sit under your tree and breathe it in. And I could make us a hot choc and Baileys and we could let the Christmas spirit just flood in.
Purty tree! :oD
A lot of people were not much in the spirit today at the grocery store. At least half of them were extremely grumpy and rude. Too much stress.
It's kind of interesting reading about things like yule logs and trees, knowing those traditions came before 2000 years ago. The lights have always been my favorite decoration, and regardless of your beliefs, this time of year celebrates the return of the light whether that's the sun or the son.
Just keep using the tree for aromatherapy, or whatever (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) and I'm sure you'll realize your heart was full-sized all along.
Tree+me=itchy blotchy hive arms.
me+wine= just string some tinsel on my tits this year honey and call it a holiday woohoooo
Go watch the Santa Claus, it has all the little elves running around and they even have a judy... it just makes me laugh. maybe you just need something to make you laugh......
I just posted a picture of the cozy on my site.
Yes, I did.
Come see my boob cozy. :o)
Kylz: That's a great idea!! You hear that everyone? I'm going to eat enough to grow two sizes, and Kylz promised that it would go straight to my heart instead of my ass. At least, that's what I interpreted it to say, and I'm sticking with it...! ')
Lawbrat: I feel it too, sistah. But you guys are helping me immensely! Please take some love back home with you, Dawn.
Amy: Baileys! That's a great holiday spirit! Mmmmm -- how soon can you get here?
M/D: Why, thankya!
Squirl: *sigh* Will you be my sister? I never had one, but if I did, she'd have to be just like you. Wise, funny, articulate, beautiful, talented and encouraging. Thank you so much for stopping by.
KillerChi: You are too kind to me, sweetie. And you make me laugh, too!! There's room under the tree, right by the fire so you can hang out and wait for the Versace-clad fat man with me. Please??
Jess: Yeah! I want to put some wine on your tits and drink some tinsel, too. Or was it... never mind.
KillerC: Got room in the car?
Judy: Thanks for the idea! Laughter is good medicine for every ailment, I think.
M/D: I know...
***insert wicked laughter***
I always say fake it until you make it.
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