O Chrismas Tree

Suddenly it's December and the holiday season is upon us.  For some reason, it seems early this year.  Perhaps that's because we already have our Christmas tree.  We had to get it this weekend while Peter was here, either that or wait two more weeks and that seemed a bit late.  Because we travel to visit family, we get the tree earlier than we might otherwise.  We like some time to enjoy it before heading out.  We always get our tree from the Boy Scout troop in Potlatch, Idaho, about 8 miles from here.  When I first came here, all trees were $8.  Yes, you are seeing correctly, that's eight dollars!  After a couple years, it went up to $10 and this year they are $12.  But I was told they only raised the price because the Forest Service charges them for each tree they cut and take.  So, the trees are fresh cut and not those manicured, tree farm, Barbie doll trees.  Some years, the pickings have been a bit slim and challenging.  This year, however, we walked up to the tree lot and had one picked out within five minutes.  Our fastest foray ever.  It's a really nice tree, too. 

I love a tree with a bit of character.  Actually, I love a lot of things with character: houses,  people, food. 

 I have my own tradition for decorating the tree.  I put on some Christmas music and pour myself a snifter of Grand Marnier and set to work.  There always seems to be a "good" side and a bare spot and a funky branch or two.  But once you put the lights and ornaments on, it is transformed into Christmas, glowing and shimmering with some kind of magic, or so it seems to me.