does anyone else not want to put up a christmas tree

kingtut · ‎12-31-2010

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.

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

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.

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

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.

Still Raining · ‎03-30-2014

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.

Plaid Pants · ‎11-03-2014

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.

toodles11 · ‎12-07-2010

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.

Bird mama · ‎03-12-2010

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.

There are times when you must speak, not because you are going to change the opposing side, but because if you do not speak, they have changed you.

goodstuff · ‎03-09-2010

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!