Day 14: Real or artificial tree?
I mentioned this in Day 7’s post about my most memorable Christmases. Growing up, we always had a fake tree which was great – less hassle, less maintenance, less clean-up.
But. I still always wanted to experience a real Christmas tree. Then, two Christmases ago, I was spending my first Christmas with Tom and his family. I had just finished up with my grad school exams and had moved from Manhattan to his parents’ house in Long Island. They caught wind of my desire to have a real tree and decided that they would go back to having a real tree.
I got to go with them to pick out the tree and it was such a fun experience! Everything smelled pine-y and it was cold and snowy, adding to the season and the effect of it all.
When we got our tree home, it smelled so wonderful and looked so pretty; even Finster liked it.
Again, I didn’t have to clean up the needles, water it, or get rid of it once Christmas was over, so I am still all for a real tree. When Tom and I have our own house, I definitely want to get real trees, even if we stick to tiny ones!
Day 15: Best gift you’ve ever given?
I’m not about to brag about things I’ve gotten people. It’s not about the cost or size of the item, it’s more of the excitement I felt before giving a gift and while watching the person open it. It’s about knowing someone so well that you get them a gift that you are sure will make them happy.
Two Christmases ago, I got my mom a record player, some speakers, and a few records to replace some of hers that she lost during the yard sale once I moved. It made her really happy – although her original records would never be replaced, it helped a little.