December 2, 2008

Are you planting another tree to replace the one you chopped down?

Our upstairs neighbors have already purchased their freshly cut Christmas tree. Soon they'll be stringing popcorn and other organic ornaments. They'll have lights and maybe even fake snow and possibly the little Christmas time trains that circle the base of the tree.

I envy the fresh smell of pine, the sticky sap, the needles falling everywhere, the bushy arms sticking out everywhere stealing space that we don't have in the living room. But today is only the 2nd day of December. Isn't it too early for Christmas trees? It's hardly Advent -- how can we already be decorating? Do I put out the ornaments and the bells and reindeers and stockings? Do I string up the lights? (And what does all that mean when I will most likely be spending Christmas with the parents in snow country? Is it worth doing it here in our own little apartment?)

Where do you make room for a plastic Christmas tree pre-decked with flashing lights? Next to the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree purchased from Urban Outfitters? In the middle of the room surrounded by books and unnecessary furniture? Out in the back yard facing the blinking lights of the city sprawled below? Opposite the little phalaenopsis orchid that has lost is yellow blooms?

What if, for this year, we didn't put up anything...?

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