December 1, 2007

I had planned on getting this entry up earlier today, but spent the better part of the day combing the surrounding area for some popcorn garland. Can you believe that nobody had any?! Well, that’s another story. Meanwhile, on to this one.

Last time, I treated everyone to an audio clip of the Chipmunks. They are my earliest recollection of Christmases past. Of skipping and dancing around the tree with glee to the music of the Chipmunks, anticipating the arrival of St. Nick and the promise of a wanted toy.

Back then, in the early 1960s, we didn’t have extravagant requests like kids do today. A doll for a little girl, or a rocking horse for a little boy - and they were happy. Trees were covered in garland and icicles and towered up to the sky. Looking back now, they’d be considered gaudy, but they were magnificent in our young eyes.

Fast forward to the early 1990s - around 1993, and my son, Nick, gazing up at the tree, that seemed to reach the sky, and was surrounded by lots of presents - all of the toys and goodies that he’d asked for that year. Probably Power Rangers - I don’t recall exactly.

Even now, I love to decorate the tree, and usually tend to go overboard. This year, though, I’m scaling back.

Last night, I picked up a new tree - environmentally friendly and reusable (aka artificial). I shopped around until I found the perfect one - 7-1/2 feet tall, embellished with pine cones, berries and branches. It’s beautiful and, currently, only half decorated because I can’t find an already ready popcorn garland (see the first paragraph above). When it’s done, I’ll post a picture.

So what’s the best tree you’ve ever had, or fondest Christmas tree memory?

Click here for a full listing of the 25 Days of Christmas Challenge.

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