topic Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree in Community Chat

does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

kingtut — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 22:33:55 GMT

Hi -- the Christmas season is at hand and I am again dreading wrestling with putting up a Christmas tree. I have a lighted one which comes in three parts which have to be put together and the branches arranged and then trimmed. I admit it looks nice if I do it right.

However, I am elderly and it is difficult for me -- getting it together and all and then having to take it down. We only had a real tree for a week each year when I was a child and not many other decorations -- I am not a decorator. I have absolutely no one to help me. Would I be a horrible person if I did not decorate very much and left the tree in its box. A couple of people have criticized me for this -- one lady who used to live next to me complained each year because I didn't put electric candles in all the windows. Had about 7 windows to do and many extension cords and I just stopped doing it.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

qualitygal — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 22:40:25 GMT

No one has the right to tell you what and how much you can decorate. For crying out loud, that is none of their business. You decorate how you want to. And Merry Christmas, or if you don't celebrate Christmas, Happy Holidays.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

chickenbutt — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 22:51:05 GMT

I agree that everybody should do what they want to do. I haven't done any of this for many years now. I don't begrudge others doing it, of course. But I just don't want to, so I don't.

Additionally, I really dislike the whole tree-killing thing. I know they raise some trees just to kill them but, IMO, that doesn't make it any better. It's so sad to see those poor, dead trees out on the curb when people are done with them. :'(

I really do appreciate that more and more people who do this sort of decorating are using fake trees. I hope that trend continues to grow.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

Still Raining — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 22:55:06 GMT

Do exactly what you feel comfortable with. I also am not going to lift and carry a tree this year. Just beyond me.

However I am going to put out decorations which are very special to me and bring back lovely memories. I will get a lot more pleasure from that.

No one has the right to criticize your decisions. I am willing to bet that there are a lot of us on this board that can't or won't do a tree any more.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

Plaid Pants — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 22:59:57 GMT

I don't decorate at all for x-mas, so don't feel bad if you don't do much if any decorating either.

If you do want to put up a "tree", you can always get one of those small table top ones, and call it good.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

toodles11 — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 23:23:17 GMT

I was going to suggest the table top ones too, but only if you want to have a tree.

We have been looking for a tree that isn't so large and would be less work, but most of the ones we liked only come at 7.5 feet. I would get a table top one, but my kids don't like that option.

I look at all of the pretty decorations in the stores and then think of all the work it would take to decorate my home. The pretty things all stayed at the store.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

Bird mama — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 23:53:56 GMT

King tut - I used to put up a 6 foot tree. I'd get the lights on it and tell my DH that he could do the ornaments - I was never that great at it. The tree was pretty old so after DH passed away, I skipped decorating the first year then bought a 3 foot one piece tree that goes into a stand that I place on a wooden stool. By the time I drape the skirt, it looks nice.

We used to decorate every single shrub in front of the house. Weather permitting and I think it will - I'll string some lights along the attached garage and around the roof of the front porch.

It looks festive but doesn't break my back.

If you don't feel like putting up a tree, then don't put up a tree. You can still have the Christmas spirit without a tree.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

goodstuff — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 00:12:22 GMT

Oh, my goodness! Of course you're not "awful" if you decide to celebrate Christmas more simply! DH and I are empty nesters in our 60's, and the past several years we've just bought a small, cut tabletop tree and put it on a stand where it can be seen from our kitchen and living room. One string of lights and a few choice ornaments are all it takes, and it's so quick and easy. Our grocery store sells little cut trees like this (about 3' tall or so) already on stands for about $20. Easy to carry, easy to put up and take down.......just right for us.

If you want even simpler than that, consider just getting a little decorated potted or artificial tree (just a little live tree a foot tall or so) for your coffee or console table. Put that in place and maybe a few figurines or candles here and there, and you're done! Don't let anyone tell you you have to put up elaborate decorations or run yourself ragged to celebrate Christmas. If you still want to do candles in your windows, consider the battery-operated ones. We made that change a couple of years ago too. No more arranging extension cords, taping things in place, etc. Just set the candles on your window sills and twist them on at dusk -- or buy battery candles with timers that will come on automatically each evening. Much easier. Or feel free to omit the candles altogether, regardless of your neighbor's opinions. They aren't her windows, are they?

Christmas Blessings to you and yours!

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

YorkieonmyPillow — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 00:30:23 GMT

I like the little trees that are a foot tall and have everything on them already.

I DON'T want to fool with our Christmas tree but I know my daughter wants one.........

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

terrier3 — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 00:30:36 GMT

I have a bedroom dresser filled top to bottom with ornaments...

But I also have a dog who likes to eat ornaments and a cat who likes to climb trees.

So unless I cam find one of those old fashioned ""fences"" to put around the tree...no ornaments for us.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

jeanlake — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 00:38:32 GMT

I haven't put up a tree since I became an empty nester four years ago. Now I just pick my favorite areas to decorate and if anyone makes a comment I say -- go ahead and put the tree up. Go for it. But you need to put away the things you put out. I decorate the front door, put out the nativity scene, cover the mantel with my snow people collection, put up lighted winter city on the window seat in the dining room, and put out the dining table centerpiece. That's all I want to do now and it's okay. No guilt zone. There's no right or wrong way to prepare for the holidays. Be kind to yourself. Don't feel guilty!

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

Peaches McPhee — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 01:06:40 GMT

You need to stop caring what other people say and make your own decision. Do what makes you happy. You are in charge of this one.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

toodles11 — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 01:59:14 GMT

Goodstuff,

I have never seen a tree with the stand already attached. I wonder if any of the places that sell trees would have that. I wouldn't mind doing that at all.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

pinky ann — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 02:16:59 GMT

KingTut: I have to agree with all of the above posts. Please do only what is meaningful to you! Your neighbor had no right to say what she did, and I hope you'll forget it sooner than later.

Christmas is in your heart, not on a tree. I love to decorate, but at times have just put up a small 3 or 4 ft. tree, a few mantle decorations, and was very happy with it. Please do exactly what will make you happy!

BTW, My sister loves the Christmas holiday, and has never put up a tree! I don't think she has ever heard anything negative from anyone about her decision. pinky

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

Pickwickpapers — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 02:29:51 GMT

I also agree that you are not obligated to put up a tree or to put lights in your windows. Just do whatever you feel comfortable doing. I am in your position and will put a wreath on my door, a bow on the mailbox, & a few decorations in the living room and a small decorated plant on my dining table. Getting out my tree and putting up lights are way too much for me to handle. I have holiday kitchen towels that I use too along with a bowl of Christmas candy that I place on the kitchen cabinet. Just do what you want and what makes you feel good.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

AnikaBrodie — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 03:33:34 GMT

Do what makes you happy and not what others think you should or should not do. When my MIL moved to a senior apartment she never put up a tall tree again. Instead, she got a small tree (I think it was either a 1 1/2 or 2 foot tree) that was fully decorated with lights and ornaments. It was a no mess, no fuss tree and when Christmas was over it was easily stored til the next year. It worked great for her.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

151949 — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 06:13:58 GMT

When we lived in Pa I would buy a small - maybe 3 ft potted live tree , decorate it then keep it alive til spring and we would plant them in the yard. We had a lovely border to our yard of nice pine trees. Now I have a wonderful alcove right next to my kitchen and it really calls out for a Christmas tree so we do the work and I am always happy that I do. However, because I am terrified of accidentally bringing in a snake, a frog or a lizard , not to mention insects - we now have an artificial tree - and because we have 10ft ceilings here it is 9 ft high.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

stevieb — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 06:25:03 GMT

I haven't wanted to for a while now, but persist in putting up something every year. Last year it was a very cute table top tree and that would probably be my preference again this year, but I'll probably put up something a bit larger. I foresee the day when I decorate with a few winter items and some pretty flowers and call it done. I've scaled down significantly over the years and am doing even more scaling back this year. It's just too much for a few weeks of enjoyment.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

cotton4me — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 08:52:33 GMT

I no longer do any Christmas decorations. It's very freeing.

Re: does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

OnlyShopsOnline — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 09:59:11 GMT

If it weren't for my 2 year old grandson coming to the house a couple of days a week, I wouldn't even decorate anymore. It's a chore that I just no longer enjoy. However, he really enjoys all of the seasonal decorations.

Each year seems to come around so much more quickly, lol. I think I'd be happier if we celebrated every other year.

A few years ago, we bought a pre-lit table top tree, in a very pretty planter. We leave the decorations on the tree and just cover it up and store it in the basement after Christmas. The whole thing takes about 5 minutes. When we put it up, it sits on a table just under one of the small windows that are on either side of our fireplace. From outside, it looks like a full size tree.