Rocking around the Christmas tree

I searched the origins of the Christmas tree and got a Christmas blimp size headache. Although the origin goes from A to Z I guess the only real thing that matters is that it is a symbol of the season and a joy to see as a child's eyes light up as they stand and stare and ponder what those packages hold in store for them on Christmas morning. "I hope mom and dad didn't waste time and money on clothes! They could buy so many more toys if they just wouldn't spend it on that junk!"  

 

On January 6, 1899, the Minneapolis Times editorial proclaimed this:

And low and behold the artificial tree was ushered in. Over the years it has been produced in many colors and sizes. Also in various materials that are durable enough that some families put up the same tree year after year. However, IMHO the silver one should be relegated to the forest in The Wizzard of OZ. Problem is I don't think they will survive the fighting trees there. Wait there, that would be a glorious present to mankind, again IMHO. I hope that I don't get nasty comments from the sunglass manufacturers due to loss of business generated by those that enjoy the veiled glare from those monstrosities.

 

Full disclosure; we have two fake Christmas trees. One in the living room and one on the porch. In our defense, the real  Christmas trees that are offered here in Costa Rica would be put to shame by the Charlie Brown tree. They would crumble under a single strand of 50 Christmas lights not to mention the strung popcorn decoration. How puny are they you ask......a bird tweeted and the wind blew the tree up to the third neighbor's door.

 

One of the trees that we put up has the lights that are permanently attached. At my age, I have enough trouble lifting the ornaments and hanging them on the fake tree with the fake icicles and the fake gold star on top and the fake snow blanket that surrounds it. That has the real packages of toys for the grandkids under it. The great thing about being a grandparent; Spoil them and then send them home. I prefer to call it.......Payback!    

 

With Christmas just a few scant days away let's not forget that the REAL REASON FOR THE SEASON is not the tree or how many presents are offered. No one knows Christs real birthday but this is the day designated to celebrate His birth. Keep the spirit of the season and draw your family close. But try to practice it year round. Afterall, Christmas only comes around once a year.