Decorating your tree

[Dinsdale]

You so funny, hs!
You should stick around that thread - you might learn something!

Back on topic.
First - pour champagne
Second - put star with bout a jillion points on top of tree
Third - drape gum chain
Fourth - cranberries
Fifth - refill glass
Sixth - change the X-mas CD to one I actually like (Tractors/John Prine Woohoo!) and relax in an easy chair for the duration unless specifically directed to do something.
Repeat Step 5 as necessary.

[Humble_Servant]

[hijack]Yep, I’m getting quite the edjumacation here.

Here’s what I’ve learned recently (not in order of importance):

1. “PK”–never knew this term existed.
2. Never knew what a “low life creap” was (I assume it’s a new dance since the OP in that other thread speaks of it pejoratively; or maybe it’s a type of vine?).
3. They never really leave when they threaten to.
4. The gum chain goes before the berries.

Actually, I hope that thread doesn’t die (I see it’s been quiescent since this morning); I just don’t think I could make another serious post there, and that would make my post neither right nor effective.[/hijack]

[Pollo_Boyo]

For about the past five years I’ve been the one to put the lights on the tree, although my brother has “helped” the past two years. I usually end up doing a lot of it by myself.

Hey…mocking you takes a lot of energy.

Assemble the family. Go out and get a Christmas tree – a really fresh one, preferably 9 to 10 feet tall. Have a 30-minute argument on the proper way to tie the tree to the roof of the car.

You forgot about making the salesman’s head explode with irrational (or sometimes blunt) comments.

Sit in the back of the car and make jokes about the tree falling off the roof. Watch dad turn six shades of purple as he tries not to explode.

It’s even more fun when we hit potholes and speed bumps. The paranoia is simply delightful.

Take 45 minutes to arrange the tree at an angle that makes mom happy.

Which is usually the way we had it set when it was first set down.

Get the lights from the box in the garage. Check to make sure that they all work before putting them on the tree (trust me on this).

We also make sure that Dad doesn’t drop the lights in the water before plugging them in, too.

Put the angel on top of the tree. Have a huge argument with mom over how much of the top of the tree to cut off to get the angel to sit properly.

Usually results in too much being taken off…

Put the motion lights on the tree, working from top to bottom. (This is the part that my brother helps with, since he’s taller.) Try to get them working correctly.

It pays to have a big little brother.

My personal favorite memory of buying a christmas tree:
Salesman: What kind of stand do you guys have?
Myself: shrug A red one.

[kiffa]

I love live Christmas trees, but I absolutely DETEST putting on the string of lights. So I bought a prelit Christmas tree and pine scented room potpourri. Kids put the tree up. I add the angel on top. Next come the:

a couple of extra string of lights - mostly white

silver, gold and red bead strands,

the shiny snow flakes with pearls,

the shiny silver or gold flowers [which sit in the back near the center pole]

the red and gold christmas balls,

the special decorations [handmade by the kids, gifts from friends, oldies that have been around for years and years]

candy canes.

Viola! Shiny, twinkly kiffa Christmas tree in red, gold, and silver. I loved tinsel which should be put on one at a time, but they’re a real mess to clean up so I don’t get them anymore.

Next comes decorating the rest of the house with the traditional Scandanavian whchamacallit [with lit candles that make the decoration turnaround and hit those little bells], the African decorations that we have picked up over the years, Nutcrackers, more indoor and outdoor lights, wreaths for the front door and the garage door entry, lights and big red bows for the foyer and staircase, candles everywhere. I’m ready for a merry, merry Christmas holiday.
I loved tinsel which should be put on one at a time, but they’re a real mess to clean up so I don’t get them anymore.

[ladybug]

We finally got our Christmas tree last night. It’s not as big as last year’s — it’s about 8 feet tall — but that’s fine by me since I’m the one who has to stand on top of the ladder with the lights. Anyone want to guess what I’ll be doing over the next few days?

*Originally posted by Pollo Boyo *
**You forgot about making the salesman’s head explode with irrational (or sometimes blunt) comments.

<snip!>

My personal favorite memory of buying a christmas tree:
Salesman: What kind of stand do you guys have?
Myself: shrug A red one.**

::giggles:: Thanks, PB. I forgot about that. I knew there was a reason I wanted you to come with us last night. And you’re helping me with the lights, boyo.

[hedra]

<continue hijack> Thanks, HS! I appreciate the kudos, though I have given up on the boy. Maybe we’ll try again later, and at least someone said something - can’t take in the info if nobody ever said it… Also, glad you learned something! (says the PK). <end hijack>

We have to go out an hopefully find a tree tonight. Like there will be any good ones left… Sniff sniff! But my son needs a tree… he’s 3, I can indulge him.