This is not to say I'm anti-Christmas. On the contrary.. I am very much looking forward to the celebration of Christmas morning Mass... the ringing of the bells at the return of the Gloria being sung once again. I'm just over the whole commercial aspect of the holiday. Trees are great.. gifts are great.. but when people forget the humble origins of Christmas, the holiday becomes nothing more than an excuse to go into debt.
I have included a picture of my modest Christmas tree. I didn't have the desire or energy to drag out my usual artificial tree (real trees are too expensive for me) -- assemble it, decorate it.. and eventually pack the whole thing up. I went out in search of an easy tree.
I found the perfect "Charlie Brown" tree at a local nursery. I always loved the sparse trees that no one else could possible love. So when I saw this 5 1/2 odd ball, I had to take it home. The sales lady was a bit surprised... she had no idea what someone would do with such a tree.Once decorated, like Charlie Brown's little tree.. it looks quite nice. I love how the ornaments really stand out.. and believe it or not, it holds ALL the ornaments I put on my fat 7ft tree. - AND, it only take two minutes to assemble and disassemble. No fuss tree!
For those who are fans of Victorian style Christmases, you will recognize this tree as a "feather tree".. the first style of artificial trees available.. originally made out of goose feathers on wooden dowels. Other people though may think of the line from the famous "Christmas Story" movie: "It looks like it was made of... green pipe cleaner!". My favorite comment came from my godson Gavin, who when seeing the picture of facebook said it looks like a twig. So there it is, my Christmas "twig".
You may note the nativity set - it belonged to my Grandparents. They purchased it their first Christmas together back in 1953, and it was under their tree ever since. I am a strict believer though that baby Jesus does not get put into the crib until Christmas morning. In a time when Christmas decorations go up in November, I think it's important to remember that the real joy of Christmas comes when we mark the birth of the Word made Flesh.
While I try to keep up with my baking and finish my shopping.. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas -- and want you to remember that despite the glitz and glamour this holiday may offer... it all started with a poor child born in a stable... laid to rest where animals feed. "Keep Christ in Christmas!" :)
