On Snow and Trees
Sunday, December 4th, 2005
We woke up this morning to a light frost followed by some real snow.
This wasn’t a wet, October snow, but the real thing and perfect day to buy a Christmas tree.
There I am. 34 years old and on my first visit to a Christmas tree lot.
I know many of you might not believe that, but it’s true. The year before I was born, my parents’ Christmas tree caught on fire while out by the curb waiting to be hauled away by the garbage men. It went up quick, like a, well, Christmas tree. This caused sufficient alarm in my mother as to decree the era of artificial trees had begun.
The tree they purchased for my first Christmas was the same tree we would use until I moved away and went to college. My first year out of the dorms there I bought a fake tree at a great price and used it for the last 14 years. For $35 it looked wonderful and I loved it. This year is different.
Like many people, Abby is insistent on a real tree so I was game to give it a go. I gave away my tree to some people at my yard sale in Nashville in August and haven’t looked back yet. So far, the branches are falling nicely and the aroma is divine. Far nicer than any sprays or candle.
While we’re talking about trees, what’s the deal with trying to call them “holiday trees”?
I get the idea of cities, governments, schools, etc., avoiding religious affiliation by using things like “Happy Holidays” and giving kids 2 weeks off for “Winter Break.” That is perfectly acceptable and what they should be doing. How can you complain about that? But if you cut down a pine tree, stick lights, ornaments, and garland on it – it’s a Christmas tree. Period. Is there a tree for Kwanzaa? Nope. Ramadan? Nope. Maybe Chanukah? Not hardly. Only Christmas. This particular decoration has but the one affiliation and to fail to identify it as such is a joke.
I may not be a Christian but I know a Christmas tree when I see it. Just as I’m pretty sure my Jewish friends know their menorah isn’t really a “Holiday Candelabra.”
