I still have memories from my childhood of bundling up and going to the tree farm to pick out a tree. Most years we bought from one of those tree lots, a few we actually went to cut it down, but in both cases, it was a treasured memory. Running and pointing to "this one, no this one!" as we inspected each tree for bare spots or found that added bonus- a bird's nest. Jeremy has similar memories, his family also believed in the "fresh is the only way" philosophy and they have not departed from it. I wanted my kids to have the same experiences, but alas, it seems their memories will be of fluffing out box-scrunched wire branches and spraying the pine tree smell to mimic what a real tree might be like.
It was not an easy choice, but for the five years we have lived in this house, we have gone and spent a small fortune on the perfect 9-10 foot tree that would do our vaulted ceilings justice and then I would tirelessly wind strand after strand of lights throughout the tree, trying to outdo the year prior and copy a tree I saw years ago that seemed so bright it might burn your corneas. Not to mention that Jeremy and I inevitably fought trying to get the thing straight in the tree stand, ugh, what a rotten task. Every year after all that work I would say never again, but then when December rolled around again I would chicken out and wax all sentimental again. Well this year we found a beautiful tree on clearance (can you believe that, in November?) and we could not pass it up. I'll admit, I cried a bit on the way home, causing Jeremy to agree that next year we can get a smaller real tree to put in the basement.
So after getting this tree up and decorated, it just didn't have the same oooh factor as the real ones did. And it's a bit too perfect, no bare spot to turn to the back, no heavy lower branches to hide or cut, and no smell! But pretty, I guess, and it is with a heavy heart that I admit that.
I'm sure I'll get used to the whole idea, but until then there is a hole in my soul, mourning this awful decision. O Christmas tree, I miss you.
7 comments:
We have always done fresh trees too but with a new little one we have been trying to decide if it is worth it. Driving up to the mountains, carrying Aidan around until we find the perfect tree, finding a spot in our little apartment that it will fit, finding a day we both don't have to work to go get the tree, and so and so on! But I think I sure would miss having a real tree if I didn't. We still haven't decided!
Wow. That tree belongs in a magazine. It's beautiful! But, oh the memories. I felt the same way when my parents gave up the real deal. I have no words to console you.
We have a small fake tree, which we decided to use this year, but we switch off depending how we feel each Christmas season. Sometimes it is just a pain! Your tree looks awesome though!
That tree is gorgeous!!! It is a rough decision, I know. Looks like that worked out well, though!
Just make sure you buy some "Christmas Tree" smelling spray to remind you yester-year
Well, as tough of a decision that you had to make, it looks amazing!!! I agree, your tree - with the lights and the train - it could be in a magazine!
Loved the post. I totally want to go fake, but being married to an Oregonian I don't think I will ever win the battle. I think your tree looks great!
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