Happy Holidays

The Christmas tree. Tannenbaum, O, Tannenbaum. Aside from the jolly, old soul, one of the most quintessential of Christmas symbols. But really, what does it symbolize?

Now before you go calling me a grinch, hear me out. I love Christmas. Maybe Christmas has become to commercialized but I like that people (for the most part) buy into the whole idea of "holiday cheer" and "merry greetings." I think combining anything red and green instantly makes people sing fa la la la la.

I love Christmas trees. I like the tiny, shimmering lights. I like the smell of pine. I like the somewhat creepy miniature ornaments. I don't mind watering it. I realize the oddness of bringing a tree inside and decorating it and still, I like it.

But we're not getting a Christmas tree this year. And it's okay.

It wasn't okay a week or two ago but now I feel like Lucy. A Charlie Brown Christmas tree, or no Christmas tree for that matter, does not make or break a holiday season. So why aren't we getting a tree and why am I, the most grinchless of merry-makers, not insisting on this Christmas must-have? We are not getting a tree because there is no place to put it in our 4 bedroom, two story colonial. Okay, there is space - ample space - where a tree could go. We could put it in the empty formal living room with the pristine new hardwood floors. Or we could put it in front of the picture window in the empty dining room (with the bedazzled chandelier). Or, we could put it in the office with the drop clothes, step ladder and paint supplies. There is the family room that now awkwardly filled with a couch, loveseat and oversided chair and ottoman but we haven't actually sat on the new furniture since we can't decide where to put it all. There is always the kitchen but maneuvering around a tree while trying to chop onions seems even more odd that cutting down a tree, dragging it inside and decorating it. We seem to be spending most of our time in the basement with the wood paneling circa 1974 and flourescent lighting. We sit on our old couch and watch the TV mounted in the corner as if we are in a doctor's waiting room. I feel like bringing a tree down there would wilt the poor branches before they even had a chance to dry out.

Still, a week ago I was insistent, "you can't have Christmas without a Christmas tree." And Mr. Claus looked at me and earnestly said, "why not?"
"Because where will we put our presents? Because how will we get in the spirit of the season? Because where will we hang all our ornaments- all 10 of them? Because you just can't." I really believed these things.

But then I really starting thinking about it. And then I bought a poinsetta, and a wreath and hung twinkly lights in the room with too much furniture. And not having a tree didn't seem so bad. I bought two stocking and hung them by the chimney with care. I still am enjoying those holiday greetings and gay, happy meetings when friends come to call. We will put our presents by the poinsetta and little pine branch wreath thing by the fireplace. And sitting in a room with no TV and lots of sitting area is kind of nice...even without a tree.

The Christmas tree does not symbolize Christmas. It does not mean you are Ebinezer Scrooge. It does not mean you are one of Santa's elves. It's absence does not mean Santa won't come to Bethel. Not having a tree has been liberating. Instead of cowering in shame when someone says, "what do you mean, you're not getting a tree?" I can now hold my head high say, I am not getting a tree and I think you, too, should try a Christmas without one. It won't damper your spirits and will make you think a little more about what the holiday season means to you. You'd be surprise what a little red, green and twinkle lights can do to a room without a tree. Of course, we will have one next year. Maybe one in each in room.

But really, what do you need to celebrate the season?


And:
Coming soon...Rate Our Space. We really do need help deciding where to put the furniture we bought...