It was easier than I thought. My whole life, I've never had anything but a fresh cut, smells good, "how are we going to make this fit" evergreen Christmas tree. Fireman Jeff finally convinced me that the safety of my home and family was more important than that smell. (and he got me a wall plug in thing that smells just like a Christmas tree)
When we first headed out and started looking at artificial trees, I did have a little heart twinge. I little moment when I thought "am I really an artificial tree kind of person?" I could hear Fireman Jeff's voice in the back of my mind.
My poor little Delaney didn't have just a twinge. She was REALLY sad. A few tears were shed as we walked through the parking lot at The Home Depot. I just kept telling both my children that Christmas is in your heart - not in your tree, or the lights, or the presents. I told them about Christmas 1997 when Chris and I had left Colorado and were living in Northern California. First year with no family. First year with no snow. It was a year with a lot of firsts in it. I told the children that we had Christmas Eve dinner at Denny's and I went to bed almost sad and scared of what the next day would feel like.
But the truth about Christmas is, when you wake up on Christmas morning...It's Christmas. The magic was there. The joy was there. The excitement was there. It was CHRISTMAS.
We actually spent that Christmas day on a foggy beach in Northern California having a picnic and watching the surfers. We threw sticks for our dogs, and walked for miles (and smooched a little bit) I will never forget that amazing day.
But I'm off track.
We left The Home Depot empty handed and headed to Lowe's to see if we could find a tree that made our hearts sing. All of a sudden Chris is saying "I think we have 9 foot ceilings"
WHAT? Do we? Do we really need 9 feet of Christmas tree? Will it fit in our living room? This is CRAZY!
Cameron, Delaney, Chris and I dragged a huge box, with a 9 foot Pre-Lit, "fresh cut" Frazier Fir Christmas Tree out to the back of the truck and headed home. The instructions said we could assemble our tree in 10 - 15 minutes (HA!) As we put piece A on top of piece B and so on, the tree really started to look nice. I couldn't believe how BIG it was. I don't think we've ever had a 9 foot tree before. It was amazing. (and can I just say to the guy who invented "pre-lit" I LOVE YOU) 
We made popcorn and hot chocolate, and turned up the Christmas music as loud as we could stand it. We got every ornament we own on it. It looks gorgeous. My house smells good - thank you Fireman Jeff. All is well. And even Delaney said about halfway through the decorating, "I love this tree."
It's Christmas at our house. It's in the lights, and the tree, and the decorations...but mostly it's in our hearts. And my heart wishes yours a very Merry Christmas this year.
4 comments:
I weep for your loss. The CUTTING of the tree is my best, most closely held holiday tradition. I understand Fireman Jeff's concern, but honestly, if you're cutting one fresh from the forest and keep it watered-- you have little fire danger. No more than when the lights heat up all that plastic.
I am dissapointed Elizabeth.. deeply dissapointed.
Very nice blog Liza! Merry Christmas to you guys!!!
We bought the fakey when we were out on the plains and the trees were shipped from Montana---a good 20 hours away. Sad day, but I agree on the prelit thing! Love that part.
Your tree sounds beautiful, and you saved a tree. I am proud of you. THis is the first year in myv life that I have not had a Christmas Tree, but it just seemed so silly to go out and buy all new ornaments that meant nothing , so se decided to give each other snorkel gear and go booney diving. boony stomping is hiking, etc, etc, etc. Wish you were here, it truly is beautiful. Have a Very Merry Christmas and a fabulous new year. Love, Mom and Jim
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