Oh Christmas Tree

By:  Joyce Moseley Pierce

For as long as I can remember, I have always been the one to put up our Christmas tree.  My husband worked lots of hours from Thanksgiving to Christmas, and quite frankly, I think he was relieved that he didn’t have to be bothered with it.  The kids would help me put the decorations on the tree, but more often than not, I didn’t really enjoy dragging box after box out of the basement, only to add more clutter to the house.

The kids are now grown with families of their own, and I continue to be the one to decorate.    This year, however, was different.    This was a year filled with trials and disappointments.  In fact, we came close to losing everything we’ve spent our lives working for.  As I put up the tree, I wondered where I would be next year.   As I looked at each ornament, memories came rushing back.   My friend, Judy, has sent me an ornament every year since I met her back in the 80’s.   We haven’t talked to each other in many years, but there’s an occasional email that keeps us in touch.  There’s always a Christmas letter and when I see the envelope from her, I can’t wait to rip into it to see what she’s created for my annual ornament.   As I unpacked all of these ornaments, memories of Judy and her friendship filled my heart, as well as memories of past Christmasses and hopes of things to come.

Over the next few days, I took great delight in flipping the switch to turn on the tree lights each morning.  I’d then open my scriptures and read with the warm glow of the tree in front of me.   As the days passed by, I realized that this tree had become a symbol of peace for me.   One day I told my husband I was enjoying the tree so much that I thought I’d just leave it up all year.  I expected him to laugh or tease me about it, but he didn’t.  He said it was fine with him.

A few days later I was listening to a conservative talk radio show and the host had asked people to call in and share Christmas traditions with the listeners.  One woman talked about taking a family photo and having each member of the family sign the back of it as their commitment to Christ.  Another talked about baking a cake to celebrate the birthday of Jesus.  Another one said she left her artificial Christmas tree up all year.  That one got my attention.  The host said that one year he talked his wife into letting him leave theirs up all year.  He said it became a real topic of conversation when people came to his house and suggested that we try it.

That was all it took!   I had read one time that Ed McMahon had a Christmas tree room in his house.   I have no doubt that Ed has a home big enough to accommodate a tree without causing a problem, but most homes are a bit crowded with a tree in the corner.  However, some people do find room for plants in their homes.  I decided that I’d give it a try.  I would leave my tree up all year long.

This week I took the Christmas decorations off the tree.  I packed away all of the Santa, snowmen, and winter things, but I left the stars and the hearts on the tree.  Some might think it looks pretty barren, but to me, it looks clean.  I can focus on the few things that mean something to me instead of being overwhelmed with a lot of ornaments.  I replaced the white Christmas tree skirt with the sleigh design and replaced it with a piece of red fabric with a tiny gold heart design.  I could imagine it being a great transition from Christmas to Valentine’s Day.

In wondering whether or not this was really going to work, I let my mind wander over the next twelve months.   Since my holidays or special events won’t be the same as yours, you’ll want to modify it, but that’s what makes it fun!

 

January – My mother’s birthday.  My mother, who lives with us, has a January birthday and this year she will be 86 years old.  What a great place to display all of her birthday cards.

February – Valentine’s Day.  I love hearts, and am drawn to anything with hearts on it.  It’s also my husband’s birthday, so we’ll hang his cards on the tree. 

March – St. Patrick’s Day.  With any luck, I will get the grandkids to make 4 leaf clovers to hang on the tree.  Maybe we’ll just make a green chain out of construction paper like we used to do when I was a kid. 

April – Easter.    It seems fitting that the tree that we use to focus on His birth will also be the tree that represents His resurrection.

May – Mother’s Day.    What a great place to display my Mother’s Day cards?

June -  Father’s Day.  

July – Independence Day.  We can show our patriotism by decorating to celebrate our nation’s birthday.  Oh, I can’t wait for that one!  More stars and red, white and blue.

August -  I might just decide that I like the July tree so much that I’ll leave it up a bit longer.

September -  Back to School.    If you really wanted to get creative, you could tie pencils, rulers, and erasers to the tree. 

October -  Halloween.  I can see orange and black streamers wrapped around the tree.  It’s also MY birthday.   I always get cards from friends all over the country and it’s hard to find room to display them all.   This will give me a great place to showcase every card.  

November - Thanksgiving!  Gosh, I can’t believe I’ve thought of something for every month.  Just think how nice it will be to already have the tree up!   My friends will all be scrambling to drag theirs out of the attic, or rushing to buy a live tree.  I’ll be able to kick back and do something that’s a lot more fun.

December – Christmas.  Just 365 days ago we were decorating to celebrate the birth of Christ.  Hopefully you’ve celebrated his birth each day throughout the year.   Maybe that Christmas tree in your corner has been a reminder to do so.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’m not a decorator.  I’m always amazed when I go to other people’s homes that are all decked out for each holiday.  For one thing, I don’t know where they store all that stuff, but for another, who has the energy to do it?  I think this year I’m going to out-do myself!  Boy, won’t my family be surprised!