Tree Count

by Angela Sanford

This year has been a test of whether or not I could downsize when Christmas comes.  For those of you who have never stepped into my home during the holiday season, this concept may not stir any empathy but let me assure you that Christmas is a BIG deal to me (ordeal according to my husband).

     When we first moved into our current home we decided to have our housewarming party double as a Christmas party.  That meant a enclave of decorations to greet everyone, so I moved from the single tree in our previous home to two - one on each floor of this home. In the years that followed, two trees grew to 21 trees at one point; each tree having its on theme.  Ranging in size from three feet to seven feet, a couple of pencil trees, one tree being a hand cut one from our lot, each tree was trimmed carefully and uniquely.

     The last year of having more than 20 trees, I had decorated one for our eldest son’s graduation. From that point forward I kept my favourite themes and trees - an angel tree, a pewter trimmed tree, a Charlie Brown ornament tree, and the tree we sit around on Christmas morning, all decked in out in hand crafted ornaments, except for one, my last gift from Grandad Hines. 

     When learning that I put up multiple trees, people often also inquire about where I might find the space in my home to display them. This year, I asked  myself the same question as we are living in half our “regular” home.  For the first time I wasn’t sure where I’d put my usual trees and a couple did not make the cut for being on display this year.  

     The family tree ( handcrafted ornaments) is in full regalia, while the angel tree and Charlie Brown trees have been downsized for this year.  The pewter tree did not make the cut at all.  The porch has two smaller trees and all of the trees are artificial this year.

     But just when I decided there was no room for another tree I was tempted - let me rephrase that - I was called to buy the Little Tikes “My First Christmas Tree” and set it up in our living room, next to the family tree, and await Layla’s first visit.  Of course, she’s too little to play with it this year but she sat on my lap and “we” tried the ornaments and the the little train that chugs along under the tree. Next year she’ll be able to decorate her own tree at Grammie’s house.

     That brings this year’s tree count to eight and in the words of my daughter in law, the rooms still seem bare compared to usual.