Ahh, that greatest and best thing of all time: The Christmas Tree. Fake or real? Tall or short? White lights or colored? Themed tree or a cacophony of colors and ideas? We have made a booming industry out of the accessories involved with the Christmas Tree. And why? Because it's something that always seems to give us moments of beauty and clarity in our lives, I'd like to think.
I remember when I was growing up and we would decorate the tree (which I had scouted out on the property probably as early as July). In my defence, I was always right. After the last ornaments went on the branches, and there was hot cocoa being consumed and music playing, my father - who somehow only managed to get away with stringing the lights until we were big enough to do it for him - would look and say, "It's the best Christmas tree we've ever had." And the collective groan would go up among us all. Whether the tree was tall or short, fat or thin, full or sparse, it would always be the best three ever, and I didn't understand why or how he could say that.
Last night, I decorated the tree. This year, the tree is - a bit different. For the first time in many years, I'll be traveling for the holiday, and so I'll not be there to take care of a tree. I like real trees, and so, not being there presents a problem for taking care of the tree. But, as luck would have it, my roommate happened across a "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree" (yes, really - it looks just like the one from the special), and we decorated it. I pulled out my two favorite ornaments - ones that my father made, hung them up on the tree and looked at it. And you know what? It's the best tree ever. It may look hideous and deformed, but the point is, I'm here. I'm alive. I'm celebrating this holiday season with friends and family. I may never have a tree like this again....and I may have many more like it - I don'tknow. But for here, for now - it's the best Christmas Tree ever.
So today, readers, take a moment to look about you, and discover who and what make the holidays special for you, and let those people know it.
Thanks for reading.
The Fat Kid
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