Preparing for an Avalanche
Stupid things I do December 31st, 2008
Happy New Year! And a pat on the back to all the smart people who got an artificial tree.
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Stumble it!
Stumble it!
December 31st, 2008 at 7:15 am
We already have been looking online for an artificial tree for next year. It seems every year when we go out to find the “perfect little tree” we come back with this monstrosity of a tree that hardly fits in our living room. Same thing happened this year. We got rid of that baby 3 days after Christmas – we couldn’t stand it any more. Having a conversation in our living room was really tough, you had to crane your neck so you could see the person you were talking to on the other side of the tree!
December 31st, 2008 at 7:21 am
pine needles and bare feet..:)
robert bourne’s last blog post..Thank You
December 31st, 2008 at 7:45 am
yeah, these trees think they know everything! It’s getting back at you, from pulling it away from its home!
storybeader’s last blog post..Spreader of Love Award
December 31st, 2008 at 7:46 am
Good luck with the tree! I can’t stand pine needles. And I have yet to find a vacuum cleaner that can pick them up.
Anne’s last blog post..Post-Christmas Edition
December 31st, 2008 at 8:05 am
But Kathy you can’t beat the fragrance of a real tree.
(we won’t tell her you can only really smell the fragrance of a real tree when your cutting them up and getting that impossibly impossible sticky stuff all over your hands…better than crazy glue)
December 31st, 2008 at 8:21 am
As one of those “smart” people who got a fake tree, did you know that fake trees also shed their needles? Yes, they’re fake needles, but they are just as impossible to vacuum up as the real ones.
JD at I Do Things’s last blog post..I’ll Say “No” to Drugs so you don’t have to
December 31st, 2008 at 8:25 am
MURDERER! BLOODY MURDERER! MAY A THOUSAND SPIDERS HATCH IN YOUR HOME!
If you don’t want to be considered a murder you’d better cook that tree up and eat it
Mike’s last blog post..Stick a Lemon in That Thing.
December 31st, 2008 at 8:52 am
We did not put our (fake) tree up this year, on account of Harley who still likes to wreck stuff.
Happy New Year to you!
Daisy the Curly Cat’s last blog post..Happy New Year, Everybuddy!
December 31st, 2008 at 9:04 am
Want us to climb it and take care of getting the rest of the needles down, Kathy? ‘Cause we could SO do that for you?
Happy New Year!
Gandalf and Grayson’s last blog post..Not Even Close to Wordless – See Ya, 2008!
December 31st, 2008 at 9:08 am
This starts my favorite season’ the ‘How long will my redneck neighbors leave their decorations up’ season. One house had inflatable snowmen well into April.
Shieldmaiden96’s last blog post..Exhibiting my meme-ory
December 31st, 2008 at 9:17 am
Our went out yesterday. Needles all through the living room. But we took the lights off it outside to minimize the damage.
Happy New Year!
Shelly’s last blog post..A Letter of Thanks
December 31st, 2008 at 9:38 am
Maybe your cats will appreciate the pine needles as playthings! Then you won’t have to sweep them up, just leave them around as cat toys. But come to think of it, didn’t you get a new vacuum cleaner this year? Just think of this as the ultimate test.
Happy New Year, Kathy. Good luck with the Christmas tree renewal. If nothing else, it might make an interesting post to start the new year off with.
December 31st, 2008 at 9:44 am
Ah, but it’s an empty threat. If he does that, he’ll be cold and naked. He’s just being a Drama Tree.
Jenn Thorson’s last blog post..Of Cabbages and Kings New Year’s Irresolutions
December 31st, 2008 at 10:16 am
My husband and I get fiberoptic artificial trees. I’ve donated the one I bought eight years ago to work (where they put it up in the foyer)and we have two LED fiberoptic trees (zero guilt, no bulbs to get hot). We have a short one for upstairs that has a handful of ornaments. The large downstairs one usually doesn’t even get ornaments and stays on day and night. Since we have hard floors everywhere, the few needles can be swept.
http://ledtrees.com/
Stephanie Barr’s last blog post..Breathing life into words
December 31st, 2008 at 10:19 am
Happy New Year
Need 2008 to be OVER already…
Kelly’s last blog post..Half Court
December 31st, 2008 at 10:23 am
Years ago, we switched to the little Yule a GoGo tree. It takes 2 minutes to put up and take down. No needles, no mess. And pretty darn festive, in a mod 1960’s sort of way. Have a happy, safe, and prosperous New Year.
Joe’s last blog post..Caption This: New Year’s Eve Edition
December 31st, 2008 at 10:26 am
We have an artificial tree and there are no needles. Have fun with taking it down and vacuming up all of it.
December 31st, 2008 at 10:29 am
Haha! Well my family always uses an artificial, but my mom loves the smell of the real ones so we are constantly burning pine scented candles. Have fun with the needles and Happy New Year!
Abigail
December 31st, 2008 at 10:32 am
Happy New Year to you and the tree, who will be toasting you with WATER if it has anything to say in the matter (having said that I hope it isn’t talking to you, really!)
Lidian’s last blog post..97% Popability Guaranteed
December 31st, 2008 at 10:40 am
Just another reason for an artificial tree. Or in my case this year, no tree.
December 31st, 2008 at 11:43 am
Forget artificial trees, buy a tree from Nova Scotia! I bought mine on 19th December; by Christmas day it was still going strong with all its needles intact. I was very impressed.
Februrary came and went and the damn thing still refused to die! I got about 4 months out of it. What a bargain!
Tiggy’s last blog post..Tiggy’s Twelve Days of Christmas
December 31st, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Years ago, we moved into a new home in Northern Utah. Our first Christmas, we bought a wonderfully fresh ordinary tree off the lot in town. On New Year’s Day & since we didn’t have a lick of landscaping, we “planted” it in the snow drifts next to the house. It lasted until the spring thaw! After we moved to So Cal, we switched to artificial trees. But that’s another story
Have a Happy New Year!
Mama O’s last blog post..Adventures in Cycling
December 31st, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Yes, Kathy, live trees are much more work and need water. That’s why I have an artificial one, I am so lazy.
Karen, author of “My Funny Dad, Harry”’s last blog post..We Still Miss You, Moe!
December 31st, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I love the smell of a real Evergreen tree, which is why I burn a candle that smells like one.
I haven’t had a real tree in 13+ years. With all the pine needles I cant have one while my kids are still little. Not to mention the cat would probably try to eat the pine needles as well…
Military Wife’s last blog post..Happy New Year! What’s Your Resolution?
December 31st, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I’m a dumbass too. We have an artificial tree, but it’s flocked.
Have a terrific day and a very Happy New Year.
Comedy Plus’s last blog post..One Wrong Question
December 31st, 2008 at 1:41 pm
We didn’t even manage to put up the tree this year–things just got too busy. So, my house was a bit less than completely festive, but I didn’t have to take down the tree, put away ornaments, relocate all the furniture, etc. Sometimes it pays to be Grinch-y.
Have a Happy New Year, Kathy!
absepa’s last blog post..A Note of Thanks
December 31st, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Hum…my artificial tree is dropping needles. It all gets put away tomorrow. I’m ready!
ReformingGeek’s last blog post..Because People are Stupid
December 31st, 2008 at 1:57 pm
i cant wait to have a real tree again, evil needles and all. The pink tinsel one is starting to look like an overworked hooker
fidget’s last blog post..Do you have what it takes?
December 31st, 2008 at 2:09 pm
We have an artificial Christmas tree. It is the first tree my husband and I have together.
LY’s last blog post..Share Your Christmas
December 31st, 2008 at 2:57 pm
hi Kathy,
I don’t want to make any enemies here, but to me, Christmas ain’t Christmas without a REAL tree, and the smell. I know it’s more work, but that’s part of Christmas. I hope you will resist the temptation to go artificial…
~ Steve, aka the “if-a-Christmas-tree-don’t-smell-it-ain’t-a-real-Christmas-tree trade show guru
PS. I love Shieldmaiden96’s comment above. We have a few neighbors that leave their outdoor Christmas lights up all year long. I suppose it makes for less work the next year, sort of like having a fake tree
Steve | Trade Show Guru’s last blog post..How to Discipline your Children – A Better Way
December 31st, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Kathy — I know the feeling. We haven’t had a monster tree in the house in years. This “little” 6 footer was quite enough. Had to move a chair to enjoy it in the living room. Dave would never allow an artificial tree in this house. He’d consider it a sin. And so we clean up needles.
robert bourne — A dangerous combination. Don’t worry, we shall wear shoes as we trudge through the mess.
storybeader — We picked a smart-alecky one, didn’t we?
Anne — Me too. I plan on picking up the largest ones with my hands, then hoping my crappy vacuum can get the rest. But I’m sure I’ll still be finding needles through April.
Alan — I know. We loved smelling it before it got all dead on us. Yep, sap is nature’s Elmer’s.
JD at I Do Things — Fake trees shed needles? This does not compute. And it kills my argument that we should get one next year. Thanks. Thanks a lot.
Mike — The tree already gave us buggy gifts. It sat outside in freezing temps and yet a half dozen spiders crawled out of it once we got it inside. What’s up with that?
Daisy the Curly Cat — I think boy cats are like that. Our Calvin, God rest his soul, liked to climb the trunk and go straight to the top. Cutest thing to see his face sticking out, but really hard getting him down.
Gandalf and Grayson — Oh, noes! (see last comment) Kitties do not belong in trees. They must only curl up beneath them and pose for pictures. Sillies!
Shieldmaiden96 — There should be an ordinance against that, no? God, they didn’t keep that thing inflated, did they? Cuz I’d totally pop that thing.
Shelly — Excellent idea. Hadn’t thought of taking off the lights outside. I know we’ll lose a lot when we take off the ornaments, but it’ll save us some grief taking the lights off outside. Thanks and happy new year!
Lee — No, I didn’t get my fabulous new vacuum yet (had an unexpected vet bill), so I’ll have to make do with the one that doesn’t suck. Happy new year to you and your family.
Jenn Thorson — Drama Tree! Love it!
Stephanie Barr — Oh, thank you for that! I checked out the site. They look so pretty! I’ll have to show it to my husband.
Kelly — Only 10 hours now! Happy New Year!
Joe — Sounds cool. My husband likes that mod look. Maybe I can talk him into it. There’s gotta be a better way. And same to you and your family!
brooke — One of the lucky ones. I think it’s coming down tomorrow. I can’t stand another day of it. I think I’ll at least put sheets down on the floor or something to catch most of the avalanche.
Abigail R — There is something so nice about the pine smell, but yeah, a candle would probably do. My husband really likes the white pine (long soft needles), so it’s gonna be real hard talking him into artificial. Have a fun evening!
Lidian — I think I heard it beg for water the other morning. I told it to shut its trap.
Kim — That’s OK, we’ve been without a tree the last 4 or 5 years. I have to admit it was really nice having it this year, and we put it in the living room this time so we could gaze at it all the time. Other years, it would be in a little-used room, which was dumb. Dragging a tree in a house and then not even seeing it. D’oh!
Tiggy — Yeah, but you probably watered it, didn’t you? H2O goes a long way. Damn. Nova Scotia got it some fine trees.
Mama O — Oh, that’s so cool! Way to get extra life out of it.
Karen — You know me. I’m as lazy as they come. I really dread getting rid of this thing, you know, because it’ll involve work.
Military Wife — We have been slightly worried about our male cat eating the needles. He got the message early on when we caught him chewing on a branch. The bigger concern was that another cat wanted to drink out of the tree stand. I had to rig a secure cover for it, which made it harder to water and that’s pretty much why I stopped bothering.
Comedy Plus — Oh, I bet it’s so pretty though. Happy new year to you! I’d love to get this thing outside before the clock strikes 12:00.
absepa — I think I dread taking down ornaments almost as much as being rained upon with needles. As soon as the hubs walks in the door, it’s coming down.
ReformingGeek — Weird. So like eventually does it turn into a Charlie Brown tree? This is so interesting. I didn’t think they dropped needles.
fidget — Funny! What a vision of Christmas.
LY — I think one day, when we’re old and gray, we’ll have an artificial one. I can’t imagine fighting with a heavy, real one when we can barely stand up.
Lecturing Trade Show Guru Steve — All right, all right. I hear you! I may try to ask my husband once to see how he’ll react to artificial, but I think I know the response: “You Christmas-hating Debbie Downer, of course we’re not getting artificial.”
December 31st, 2008 at 4:19 pm
I know my tree is saying the exact same thing. I watered it religiously up to Christmas Eve right before we put our presents under the tree. Last year I bought a tree bag that you put under your tree skirt. I lifts up over the tree so you can take it out without all the needles falling on your carpet. It worked absolutely great last year and of course, this year I didn’t even think about it until I saw your post. Curses!!
Preston’s last blog post..Blatant Plug for the Keurig Platinum Brewer
December 31st, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I have bought I don’t even know how many artificial trees. We’ve been having real trees the last 3 years and I really didn’t want to have to buy a new vacuum. (Tree needles kill vacuums, it’s senseless really, whatever did the vacuum do?)
So my partner and I set out and hit way too many stores, some of them TWICE, determined to go home with an artificial tree. Before I coughed up the dough I asked my partner “ARE YOU SURE THIS IS THE ONE?” Because I’ve been razzed about my previous fake tree selections. She said yes. And I asked for confirmation, just cause it was pretty dang expensive. 7 1/2 foot, pre-lit with clear lights and pinecones. And yes our cat has had a blast with the pinecones. She has managed to dislodge a few. Next year I’ll have to get out the hot glue gun as we set it up.
We’ve been seeing neighbors real trees at the roadside, it’s a wonder some of them didn’t burn their houses down. They were nasty brown, bare. So glad we don’t have to deal with the mess.
Lola’s last blog post..New Year’s Eve Memories
December 31st, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Happy New Year!
I hope 2009 is filled with happiness for you and your family.
December 31st, 2008 at 6:37 pm
A tree with attitude! I like it. I have the same circumstance as Daisy does, only my wrecking crew is a tag team of 2 goofy man cats. They find everything, including the cord of my cell phone charger even though I move it to different electrical outlets and try to plug it in secretly. They are always there when I turn around. Now I charge it in the bathroom with the door closed. They messed with my tree daily. Next year, pine scented candle only.
Vivienne’s last blog post..Subway Sandwich Artists: Stop Smashing my Sandwiches
December 31st, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Ha, good one! My tree is probably saying the same thing. EXCEPT… I was clever enough to buy one of those big plastic tree bags and put it around the trunk before I set it up. Go me!
Jeff’s last blog post..Thank you… I’ll be your entertainment for the evening.
December 31st, 2008 at 7:03 pm
There was only one year we were insane enough to get a real tree… about 10 years ago. I was covered in sap (visions of Clark Griswold), and when we got home from visiting on Christmas Day, it had fallen over leaning onto our front window. Luckily, it didn’t break the window.
I’ll stick with artificial thanks.
HAPPY NEW YEAR KATHY!!!!!!!!!
Maureen’s last blog post..Lessons Learned Over The Holidays
December 31st, 2008 at 8:16 pm
So hubster did a good thing!
)
Thanks for the laughs this year. I hope next year is blessed for you
Happy New Year
The Mind of a Mom’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday ~ The New Year’s Eve Addition
December 31st, 2008 at 8:18 pm
I don’t envy you
. Been through that many years. We have an artificial one this year 
. Happy New Year to you and your family!
carole@hippostoes’s last blog post..Wordful Wednesday
December 31st, 2008 at 8:44 pm
A real tree just smells so much nicer. I will be vacuuming up pine needles for weeks but it is worth it.
carol at A Second Cup’s last blog post..Peter’s Answers: Great Party Trick
December 31st, 2008 at 9:04 pm
HAHA! No tree and no menorah either. I lit the one in the building each night. So much easier.
Lauren’s last blog post..Happy New Year For US
December 31st, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Preston — Unfortunately, I forgot to get one of those big bags to lay down before the tree goes up. That’s a brilliant idea. Next year for both of us, eh?
Lola — I’m scared to vacuum them up, so I’ll be picking most of them up by hand. Your new tree sounds pretty AND easy! Worth the cost, I’m sure. Don’t say “burn the house down.” We still have time for that.
mamaflo — Same to you. I predict a very good year ahead!
Vivienne — Man cats are the worst. For cords, I had to buy one of those plastic sheathing things. Wraps right around it and he can’t chew it anymore. Discovered it after spending 80 bucks to replace the cord twice.
Jeff — Yeah, go you! I thought about the bag thing after it was already up. Too late! Next year.
Maureen — Love Christmas Vacation! “Oh, Eddie… If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am now.” Think smaller, Maureen. You don’t want to kill anyone. Happy new year to you too!
The Mind of a Mom — And the hubs says we have to leave the tree up until tomorrow. It lives another day. And a blessed 2009 to you too!
carole at hippostoes — So you’re saying I couldn’t even pay you to get rid of this thing? Same to you. Almost here!
carol at a Second Cup — It does, doesn’t it? It’s like instant outdoors indoors.
Lauren — No fuss, no muss. I envy you! Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2008 at 9:44 pm
We stopped getting real trees when we got cats. We were told that the pine needles would damage their feet. I now realize that was a lot of phooey but we got used to having an artificial tree, with no mess. I so remember the terrible downfall of needles after Christmas though!
Babs – beetle’s last blog post..Improve your EC dropping experience.
December 31st, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Our family had real trees for years, through 7 kids and assorted dogs and cats, but a few years ago we decided to forego the fun of being sick from allergies for Christmas and got a fake tree. It does shed a bit, but about 1/1000th as much as a real tree. No wildlife (once we had a lizard), no water, no “is it straight yet?”.
And we’ve always used a white sheet as our treeskirt — instant snow! Plus, you bundle up the needles in the sheet, shake it outside, then throw it in the laundry. One less fancy decorated doodad to keep track of. ;P
Grace’s last blog post..Wow, I got the coughing cr*p for Christmas!
December 31st, 2008 at 10:17 pm
We have a Martha Stewart KMart tree Mrs C picked up at an after Christmas sale back in 04′ Great tree, already has lights, and is only 4 feet tall! Is in 2 pieces, I suggest you hit Kmart tomorrow, but I did see some nice trees at the Rite aid as well, 75% off!
Chris Casey’s last blog post..Why I am a Lucky man:
December 31st, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Dumbass here. Haven’t watered the damn tree the whole time it’s been up. Although trying to get under the tree with water would have been just as stupid. Getting ready to pitch the tree out tomorrow!
Melissan’s last blog post..My New Year’s Resolution
December 31st, 2008 at 11:16 pm
My wife and I had a real tree the first year we were married. We were still finding needles months after Christmas ended.
We’ve had artificial ones ever since.
The Hawg!’s last blog post..Apparently, they’ve lost their minds in Denver
January 1st, 2009 at 12:27 am
I took mine down the day after Christmas. I felt guilty because technically it was supposed to stay up until tomorrow but I didn’t want to look at it anymore and I was tired of pulling needles off my socks. Happy New Year!
Jen’s last blog post..The Laundromat
January 1st, 2009 at 1:19 am
I don’t mind the needles…it’s the damn sap that gets all over everything. I tried to put some on my pancakes but it didn’t taste very well.
MA Fat Woman’s last blog post..Less Is Better
January 1st, 2009 at 7:51 am
Oh man just do NOT do what a dumb ass friend of ours did. He thought by putting the top of the tree in the fireplace he could just burn it and slowly push it in as it burned. Do I have to say he burned up his living room? Mine is fake, bought on sale and is gorgeous!
ettarose’s last blog post..Keep Your New Years Lies To Yourself!
January 1st, 2009 at 10:25 am
Woohoo…I’m one of the smart people. I haven’t had a real tree in years. And I can’t remember to water my house plants who stare at me every day begging me with their droopy stems and brown leaves — how on Earth would I remember to water a chopped down tree?
AngieSS’s last blog post..KFC Can KMA
January 1st, 2009 at 10:45 am
This is really just a Happy New Year comment. But yeah, my real tree has been dropping needles since about 5 minutes after I put it in the stand. I consider it part of the holiday decorating.
Bryan’s last blog post..Another new year, another outdoor NHL game
January 1st, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I feel for ya. I’ve had a plastic tree for 7 years now. I’m still cleaning up pine needles from the last real tree I used.
Happy New Year.
January 1st, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Maybe nex year you should get an artificial tree.
January 1st, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Happy New Year:) My husband and I decided not to decorate this Christmas . Putting up Christmas decorations are fun to do, but the thought of putting them down is not!
Beth’s last blog post..Happy New Year
January 1st, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Kathy:
Call me a heretic, but I have finally switched to a fake tree. I know. I’m a sell out grumpy old fuddy-duddy. But the high cost of trees and those dried needles in the carpet finally got to me. I too poor and lazy to do that anymore!
Happy New Year.
Swubird’s last blog post..SINFUL TEMPTATION
January 1st, 2009 at 4:08 pm
That’s exactly why I used my dead grandparents’ tree and have for years. Plus, it’s vintage. And everyone knows that vintage is cool.
Father Muskrat’s last blog post..how i met yo mama
January 1st, 2009 at 4:18 pm
LOL -we have an artificial tree. We took it down today. In our municiality the real trees won’t be picked up for another 2 weeks. Having a fire hazard in my house that long scares the crap out of me.
Visit me @ http://www.momontherun.net
Mom On The Run’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: An Airplane On The Highway?
January 1st, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Happy New Year lady!! May you get your tree out of the house with minimal curse words involved.
We have a fakey…only because I’m allergic and wasn’t feeling like fighting the battle this year.
Grandy’s last blog post..See Ya Suck-It 2008 – Let’s Ring Bring-It 2009
January 1st, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Babs beetle — Yeah, the cats have been fine with the needles. For us, the real danger was when Shadow drank out of the tree stand. That’s another good reason for us to go artificial.
Grace — Now, wait. You had a lizard in a tree? Did I read that right? Geez, and I thought we had it bad with the spiders. Our tree skirt has glitter on it, which is making all the needles stick to it. Good and bad. They’re in one place, but it means I have to pick them out now. Ugh. BTW, our tree is still standing.
Chris Casey — Your tree sounds lovely. Boy, that Martha is busy. I would love a tree you snap into place. Done!
Melissan — We’re in the same boat, I see. I hope yours is gone by now. I’m still looking at mine. Dave wouldn’t let me tear it down. God, please let it happen tomorrow.
The Hawg! — I believe it. Seems like a lot of you guys went the artificial route. More people than I thought have them. Hmmm.
Jen — Wow, you don’t mess around. I have an added chore when ours comes down. Somehow the rug is really dirty, so now in addition to picking and vacuuming, I’ll be shampooing. Oh, the joy.
MA Fat Woman — Funny! I’m spared most sap issues, since I didn’t touch it going up, nor do I plan on touching it when it comes down. The husband wanted real, he can get syrupy.
ettarose — Are you serious? OMG. OMG. That’s really, really, oh nevermind. Wow.
AngieSS — I’m known for killing my plants by over-watering them, which is ironic. I thought nothing of dehydrating my tree. p.s. Loved your KFC rant!
Bryan — Yeah, I watched lots of needles come down myself as soon as we brought it in. They seemed to multiply without me seeing them drop. Tricky tree! Happy new year to you.
Leeuna — I believe you. Like cat hair, the stuff just seems to materialize even after cleaning.
brooke — I figure it’s a 50/50 chance.
Beth — Agreed there! One year our sole Christmas decoration consisted of a wreath on the front door. A door we don’t use much, so I barely even knew we had it. I dread the disassembling part of the program.
Swubird — You are not. I think there might be more of you here with artificial than real. You’re in very good company. Hope you had a merry one!
Father Muskrat — You are right, sir. Vintage is awesome. We have some very cool-looking ornaments we received after Dave’s husband’s parents passed. They’re probably 60 years old. Can’t find anything like them today.
Mom on the Run — Yes, that’s another good reason to go artificial. I have to look up when our town will collect trees. I guess we’ll chuck it on the back porch if it’ll be longer than a week.
Grandy — We may, especially since we got out all our curse words playing Wii Tennis. You’re one of many fakey tree people. The majority, I think! Happy nw year!
January 1st, 2009 at 6:34 pm
After one sneezing, allergy ridden Christmas years ago, I have always had artificial trees. BUT my hubby has always stalked and killed his own tree for Christmas. Sooo for the last 4 years we have had a real tree. AND he loves tinsel..lots of it. You think needles are forever? try getting tinsel out of carpet, off drapes, etc. It gets everywhere. My brother came over, and he called when he got home to tell me he found tinsel in his house. Some how it migrated without him even knowing it. This year, there are 10,000 strands of tinsel on our tree. (yes, the kids added up the amounts in all the packages) It is a very pretty tree. We will still be finding tinsel next Christmas.
Shadowsrider’s last blog post..Prop 8, the Musical
January 1st, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Wishing you a happy, healthy, prosperous, and amazing 2009!
peace,
mike
livelife365
Mike Foster’s last blog post..A New Year Brings New…What?
January 1st, 2009 at 8:36 pm
First of all, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without pine needles all over the place and fights with DH over who has to water the tree. Secondly, a funny story: one year we had this stupid plastic tree stand my mother had given us and DH had to trim up the branches quite a bit for it to fit. When he put the tree in the stand, the plastic stand broke (big surprise), so we had to use our old reliable little old fashioned metal one. Only thing was, now with this little stand it looked stupid ’cause DH had to cut off a bunch of the lower branches for the other stand. So, me being the resourceful gal that I am, I found brown macrame cord (don’t ask why we had macrame cord) and I tied onto the tree a bunch of the branches DH had cut off to fill out the bottom of the tree. Well, let me tell you, without any water, once those dismembered branches I tied on dried out, all we had to do was breathe within six feet of the tree and you’d hear the sound of hundreds of dry needles raining down. But, we were only married a couple of years at that point and were still doing plenty of other dumb things, so it wasn’t that big of a deal…
Carole’s last blog post..Our New Year’s Eve Dinner (with pictures!)
January 1st, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Happy new year. My tree is pre-lit and artificial. I wouldn’t have it any other way with three kids!
CrAzY Working Mom’s last blog post..A Day Out With The Kiddos
January 1st, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Will you video the removal for us to see?
Musing’s last blog post..If your kids walk into your room while you’re having sex
January 2nd, 2009 at 12:51 am
have a happy new year! good luck with the tree. i recommend skipping the tree…it’s great not having a tree! very liberating.
)
happy new year,
puglette
Puglette’s last blog post..Happy New Year!
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:50 am
Since reading a story called ‘The Little Christmas Tree’ as a child, I always feel guilty when the tree has to go.
It’s starting to smell a bit now but we’ll give it another few days…
(sigh)
It was like this with Granny too…
Ken Armstrong’s last blog post..Old Long Since
January 2nd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Haha, I just love that talking tree. It’s a bit mean spirited though, isn’t it?
That’s why we have an artificial tree; althought it’s so old it’s started to shed anyway…
Relimom’s last blog post..Meeting with God
January 2nd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
We threatened for years to get an artificial tree. We always planned to get up early on the 26th and join the mob of people trying to buy one half off. That never happened because my birthday is the 26th. What a way to spend the day! We finally got one this year. We found a great artificial tree at Kmart for half off! Prelit! It really is nice. I still get the evergreen smell with my wreath!
Reese’s last blog post..Dragonfly Necklace
January 2nd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
We got an artificial tree. We still have it up and I have no idea when it’s going down. Maybe sometime before Valentine’s Day?
Well, maybe next year you can join the band wagon and get an artificial tree like the rest of us.
January 2nd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
We have an artificial tree and once we left it up for three years straight. True story- and it was a full size tree. It was kind of weird but festive in the summer to turn on the lights and drink cheap wine… will oooohing and ahhhing and the dusty old thing.
I don’t drink anymore- although people are hard pressed to tell that I am sober.
Michelle Gartner’s last blog post..Who’s Afraid of Santa? Is It You?
January 2nd, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Shadowsrider — “Stalked and killed.” I like that. I love how your tinsel is migrating. It wants to live! I’d love to see a picture of your what I’m sure is a very shiny tree. Does it blind you?
Mike Foster — Same to you, Mike. I’d like to say my year got off to a good start, but it didn’t. I had a blog catastrophe today that nearly gave me a coronary. Maybe that means I won’t have any more bad luck for 2009?
Carole — Awesome story! Listen, wanna know what’s at the bottom of our tree stand, holding the tree up higher so that Dave could secure it? A can of Chicken of the Sea tuna fish. Hey, it worked!
Crazy Working Mom — I can see why you’d go that route (see Carole’s comment). You don’t need the extra insanity with kids running around.
Musing — Only if I think of it. And only if I can edit 40lbs off myself. Not too keen on you guys seeing me before my Wii Fit and me do some damage on my weight gain.
Puglette — Well, we’ve been without for at least 5 years. It was so nice having it in the living room. But next year, you wouldn’t have to twist my arm to not buy one.
Ken Armstrong — I just saw a clip on America’s Funniest Home Videos where a 5 yr old boy cried his head off when his dad tried to dispose of their tree. Rather sad. “Granny…” You’re wicked.
Reese — Good for you on bagging a new tree. Even better half off! I bet they make some kind of evergreen spray you can shower fake trees with to give it an authentic smell. People make stuff for everything.
Regan — Tell your mom we still have ours up. When she’s done taking yours down, she can come do ours, OK?
Michelle Gartner — Are you kidding? Three years?!?! Makes a nice conversation piece, even though you are insane.
January 2nd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
We have a fake tree. My parents had a fake tree for years. Then the kids moved out of the house and they got a real one. What’s with that? They thought we would ruin a real one or something?
Whatever….
(they were probably right)
Jonny’s Mommy’s last blog post..Who flipped the switch? Who? Come on! Who?!
January 2nd, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Yay me! I love my Target tree. (I’m a poet!)
January 2nd, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Happy New Year!!!
meleah rebeccah’s last blog post..Hello Internet!
January 2nd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Ok, check out my blog for the photo (doesn’t do the tree justice) and a discussion of dealing with wild tinsel.
I would have typed more, but there is tinsel caught in my keyboard…
Shadowsrider’s last blog post..Christmas trees…
January 2nd, 2009 at 7:54 pm
For years I refused to have nothing less than a REAL Christmas tree…that is, until I moved to Pennsylvania. In Washington State, at least the trees you get are cool, but out here you can only get them at local stores or at Christmas Tree Farms – and every one of them like to ’sheer’ their trees…you know, make them, in their opinion, look ‘perfect’. I think a ‘perfect’ tree is a natural looking one!
I broke down and bought a pre-lit artificial tree…I couldn’t figure out why I hadn’t done that before, at least they make some really cool ones that look real (though of course what’s missing is the pine scent…but pine-scented candles sure do the trick!). What I love most about it (well, besides the fact that it doesn’t lose as many needles as a real tree and has no sap…or bugs…) is that the time consuming part – stringing the lights – is already done. Just set it up and hang the ornaments! Of course, I did have some issues with my tree this year – somehow mixed up two of the sections and had to strip it, take it apart, put it back together the right way and redecorate it…that wasn’t so much fun!
But tomorrow I’m finally taking it down…I’m looking forward to having my living room back to ‘normal’ again!
Stacy’s last blog post..Fitness Friday
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:11 am
Happy New to you too! And thanks for that pat on the back. Not only is our tree fake, it’s also vain and shallow.
Margaret’s last blog post..It’s Snot 2008 Anymore
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:22 am
I give myself a pat on the back for being smart enough not to put up tree and decorations this year because we went out of town
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:18 am
Looking forward to a great 2009! Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:15 am
Relimom — It was a cranky tree from the beginning. Didn’t want to go in the stand. It complained the whole time.
Jonny’s Mommy — Wow, that’s a long time to wait for a real one. I wonder how many trees come down as the result of kids’ rough-housing?
Momo Fali — I think I missed my opportunity to buy a fake one on the cheap. Good for you that you do!
meleah rebeccah — Same to you, my dear. Sending good vibes your way!
Shadowsrider — I went over to your blog, but I was blinded by the light! I love it!
Stacy — Awww, you shoulda left the mismatched pieces the way they were, then it’d look like a natural tree — all wonky!
Margaret — As every tree should be.
dizzblnd — Oh, man. You had it easy this year!
John at Family, Fitness and Finances — Me too! And same to you.
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:30 am
Hi Kathy, sorry I’m a little late getting here but I just wanted to wish you a very Happy and prosperous New Year! I love visiting your site and reading your funny posts. Thanks for all your drops on Matt-Speak this past year, and let’s have a great 2009!
Matt’s last blog post..Absurd Files: New Year, Old (Really Old) Laws.
January 3rd, 2009 at 11:38 am
I love my artificial tree. And over here in Hawaii, a real tree dies in 0.43 seconds.
Happy 2009!
phhhst’s last blog post..Friday Foto: New Year’s Day 2009
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!
Monique’s last blog post..What Will December Bring?
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:04 pm
A lighter works better than a vacuum cleaner.
diesel’s last blog post..I’m a 2008 Weblog Award Anomaly! Er, Nominee!
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
I have an artificial tree and I still get (artificial) needles everywhere. But, at least they don’t hurt when you step on them.
Jane Doe’s last blog post..Death to All Virus Creators!
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Made mine out of a “Guitar Hero” box. (Cut it out, painted it green, stuck a tin-foil star on top.) Homey and old fashioned. Plus, no tree death.
Red Flashlight’s last blog post..Homemade Holiday Wrapping Paper
January 3rd, 2009 at 11:11 pm
An artificial tree is more sensible. Reusable, and of course the needle thing.
Leon’s last blog post..My thoughts on…the pending release of Windows Beta 7
January 4th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Timely post for me. Today is the day we are removing our X-Mas tree due to the problem you describe. Unfortunately a week vacation wasn’t too kind to us and when we got back – it was in dying state.
A sad day as it signals the end of holidays
Alex’s last blog post..WebProsperity Pre-Launch
January 4th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Hi how awful those needles were I’d find them almost a year later..Just in time for the next tree..
Then we began buying the artificial trees and I buy pine candles to burn so it smells like outside. I highly recommend looking now as the prices can be great.
Thanks for being such a great visitor to my site grammology.
Blessings and success..
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
Dorothy Stahlnecker’s last blog post..Do you follow all the rules when you have your grandchildren?
January 4th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Matt — Good to see you, and thank you for visiting the Junk Drawer in ‘08. Look for more insanity in ‘09. Happy new year to you.
phhhst — Christmas must have a whole different vibe in Hawaii. Do you make your house look wintery?
Monique — Glad to see you back in business, chickadee! Missed you.
diesel — And better than a fireplace (see Ettarose’s comment).
Jane Doe — We took our tree down yesterday, and although there was a trail of needles out the back door, it wasn’t nearly as many as I expected for choking the tree of a water supply for two weeks.
Red Flashlight — You did? Really? That’s the spirit!
Leon — Yes, and you don’t have to look at a carcus until the trash guy comes.
Alex — Sing carols or something when you take it down. It lessens the shock of it all. Happy new year!
Dorothy Stahlnecker — I figure vacuuming in Year 4 ought to get up all the needles from Year 1. It’s a cycle. All the best in the new year!
January 12th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I just took down my artificial trees this weekend. So easy – squish branches together and stuff in a box. I had a couple fake needles on the carpet, but they vacuum right up. I think you should get a fake one from now on – they are cheap at Walmart, our fav store – and save yourself the aggravation of dried, prickly needles, or “prinkles” as Ann used to call them.
January 12th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Marlene — Your trees always look so beautiful. It must take you a long time to repackage the ornaments. Thank God the tree goes down easy! Prinkles! That’s cute. I wonder if Ann even remembers saying that.
p.s. Dave finally put the tree out to the curb. He staked it in a giant pile of snow. It looked like it grew there. So much so that the garbage men DIDN’T TAKE IT! Now what?