My Tree, 2006

Last year there was quite a kerfluffle about what to call that tree we set up in the living room some time in December, decorated with lights and ornaments, that drops pine needles and sap on the carpet and offers a dangerous temptation for curious climbing cats and toddlers within reach of those irresistible shiny balls. A certain vocal contingent insisted that anyone calling it anything other than a "Christmas Tree" was guilty of perpetrating war against Christmas. Of course, there was the expected cacophony of voices reminding everyone that decorating evergreen trees is entirely pagan in origin. But we shouldn't let historical accuracy get in the way of anyone's self-righteous rant!

Ornament Abstract

I remember being amused by a particularly down-to-earth member of the California branch of the Christmas Tree Growers Association who said he didn't care what people called them as long as they bought them from him. I cheekily suggested to someone that we should just call it the "Winter Weed."

The truth is, there's something simply festive and seasonal about decorating a tree during this holiday season, regardless of religious intentions. Many people feel the winter holidays wouldn't be the same without one. I have Jewish friends who "do" a tree every year. As someone who grew up in a Christian household, having a Christmas Tree feels as much a part of the fond nostalgia of celebrating the season as carols, eggnog and my mother's cookies. There's something magical about the twinkling lights and brightly colored decorations and the scent of pine that diffuses the house.

I Love Shoes!

After not having one for a while, this year I was determined to put up a tree. I'm really looking forward to Yule and am feeling full of holiday cheer. So I got a small potted fir, rounded up a tree skirt, some lights, ornaments and candy canes, and invited a couple of friends (witches, by the way) to join me for some bubbly and tree trimming. It was a lovely evening! And the end result is a charming tree with a decidedly personal aesthetic. I love it!

So, whether we're calling it a Christmas Tree, Solstice Shrub, or Winter Weed, I for one am delighted to be keeping up this particular holiday tradition.

Posted by Angela-Eloise at 3:35 PM