Holiday

[HonestLife]

[meallen616]

[godi]

Great advice given here. Thank you @HonestLife @meallen616 🙏❤️🥳

[Carolina925]

Great advice! I think it would be a good thing if we all did that, as long as it hurts no one else. In thinking back to some of the most magical people I've ever known, seems they were all ones who marched to their own drummer, not worrying about others were thinking of them. This has nothing to do with the pandemic, I think mine comes from age. I always put up an artificial tree for two main reasons: one is that I have no way to carry a tree home and put it up by myself; two is that I like to keep it lit for the entire month of December, something I can't safely do in our usually warm weather. A "friend" told me that she would never ever put up a fake tree, knowing that's what I use. I should just let it roll off my back but keep hearing those words over and over even though I know I'm doing what's best for me. As I pray for peace on earth each day, I am also going to start praying that we can all be more tolerant. Happy is the best way to be!

[sligo]

Carolina925, Many blessing bestowed upon you. Your message touched my heart. May your Holidays be HAPPY and Bright!!!! Also 2022 be a wonderful year for you. May we all join in your spirit

[AuntG]

@Carolina925 apparently your friend doesn't know how popular artificial trees are. I've had real trees but they are a lot of work. Now we only set up artificial trees. When her words start up in your head, drown her out with some Christmas music.

[ReggieRagu]

@Carolina925 

My husband and I put up a real Christmas tree for over 40 years. Unfortunately last year was probably our last! My husband went out early in the season and brought home the "perfect" tree and it was a reasonable price. I noticed that he kept vacuuming and I thought he was just being his OCD self and vacuuming up any fallen needles. Finally he had to admit to me that the tree was dropping aphids left and right and anywhere in between.

By the time he told me, he had already done his research and was surprised that it is VERY common. So that was it for us! We were actually grateful that our grandchildren were not going to visit last year and took the tree down a week earlier than usual. We ordered a tree from Balsalm Hill at an amazing discount and will be putting it up for the first time this Christmas.

I know this was long but just wanted you to know. Perhaps your friend should do some research to see how many critters can be brought in on a Christmas tree....actually aphids are the least problematic considering all of the possibilities! 

I might also add that people that make remarks like you describe have their own issues ( in my humble opinion) and not sure if they can be called "friends"

Merry Christmas!
Reggie

[tsavorite]

Been doing this lately!  I finally purchased some flavored coffees.  Pumpkin Spice and Caramel Vanilla Cream.  What took me so long to splurge?  I love them and they are making me very happy to start my day this way 

[HonestLife]

Enjoy the spirit that fills your heart with moments of joy! 😊

[candys mine]

@Carolina925as has been said, Do what gives You joy.  I had a real tree for decades and I loved them but not the sap and the needle drop and the wrapping the tree up and dragging it out of the house without leaving a thick trail of needles behind it. 

Now I put up an artificial tree and I am happy and content with not having to deal with the needles all over.  It opens my time and thoughts up for other considerations of the season.  Like you, I love to leave it up for longer than would be safe for a real tree. 

You have a wonderful vision of the season and every day.  It's all blessing.