Perched on the over stuffed pillows of my sofa I can see our Christmas tree on the other side of the room. The tree has graced my living space each December for 20 years this Christmas. Twenty years ago I stopped killing pine trees to drag into my home and decorate for the holidays. I do miss the scent of crushed pine needles that invigorate my sense of smell. The fresh pine scent always makes me want to breathe deeply and capture as much pine scent as possible and with closed eyes let the aroma relax my spirit. I will buy a wreath for that scent and hang it on the inside of my front doorway. What I don’t miss about a live Christmas tree is the sharp, dry pine needles embedded in my carpet. For 20 years I have not had to clean up after a dry, dead pine tree but I do have to vacuum up golden glitter that the artificial tree sheds. I am amazed that the aging tree still has golden glitter to shed after being shoved into and pulled out of its container year after year after year. At this moment in time the tree is dressed in light, lots of light. I have not had the energy to open the boxes of ornaments to finish the job. I will eventually grace the Christmas tree with all its memories captured on hooks and finish the tradition, but now … right now … all I want to do is watch the little lights twinkle off and on and think about all the Christmas’ this big tree has been a part of. Yeah, tomorrow I will put the finishing touches, the memories held on hooks onto the old, glittery, artificial tree, and closing my eyes maybe I will pretend to breathe in deeply the scent of fresh pine … then run to the store and buy that wreath for the front door.
Christmas Tree and Me
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When I had my homes in Red Bluff and Lake Almanor I would always buy two of the little live pre-decorated pine trees then plant them after the holidays. There are now 20 some new pine trees between the two places
Hugs,
Hi Dennis,
I always wanted to do the “live tree” thing, but due to old traditions never did and I also was moving around the country from place to place a lot. No “home” to plant a tree and watch it grow. My old tree has now become a part of my wonderful memories of Christmas just like the ornaments that I will put on it today. Must feel good to see all the trees you planted … and a big thank you for letting them live!
hugs back …
M