Oh Christmas Tree...

Growing up in LA we had a Christmas tree. Our close friends, and next door neighbors, had a Hanukkah bush. I don't recall when theirs went up but ours didn't go up until after December 20 (my sister's birthday). It was a painful wait but, that was the rule. On the 21st we'd pile in the station wagon and head down to the train tracks where all the trees were brought in. We lived in a 1930's, Spanish-style house with very high ceilings so, the goal was to find the tallest tree at the best price. It was usually in the evening and it was usually cold and damp as we'd go from box car to box car looking for that perfect tree. I recall there being some negotiating and smiling gleefully once the deal was done and our tree was strapped to the roof, for the drive home.

The lights always went on first. Followed by boxes of generational ornaments, all with stories. Of course I had my favorites that I'd place in the VIP or VIO (Very Important Ornament) spots for only the best viewing. Icicles were last. They were always a repeat from prior years with the requirement that they be individually place, never clumped. It was agonizing to put them on. It was more agonizing to take them off so they could be packed away for the following year. Side note... our tree doesn't have icicles.

For those few weeks I can recall spending as much time in the living room as possible. Staring at the tree or taking a nap around it until New Years Day when it was taken down. It seemed to happen after the Rose Parade and as we watched the Rose Bowl game on our tv (which was rolled into the living room especially for this day). We'd have the fire roaring and we'd reverse the process. Icicles, ornaments and then lights. My Dad would clip off the branches and the remaining trunk would be taken into the backyard to dry for firewood later.

I've made many great memories since this time but I always love the old ones. And the beauty of good memories is that they can keep us lit up until a time that we can make more happy ones. So for this holiday season, whether you have a Christmas Tree or had a Hanukkah Bush, I want to wish you happy memories. And dreams of more happy times to come.

xo Kathryn
A Happy Balance