Our tree came into the house yesterday and today, I strung lights and garland on it. Tomorrow, I’ll decorate it completely. There were years when I’d do all this in one day, but I’ve come to enjoy breaking it up. Not because it’s a lot of work. I used to work at Christmasland at Lakeland Plant World Garden Centre, and there I learned to decorate a tree in 15 minutes.
But I’m no longer in a rush.
Years ago, when the kids were small, the tree came into the house, but it wasn’t lit or decorated until after they went to bed on Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning, with colourful lights shining brightly, the kids ran into the living room with sparkle in their eyes. It wasn’t only the few gifts beneath the tree that gave them joy but the whole transformation of the room while they slept.
Trees, especially evergreens, were cherished for the solstice and Christmas celebration as a natural symbol of rebirth and life in stark winter. Annual tree festivals are held in many places, and the nearby community of Middle Musquodoboit holds the Festival of Trees along with a huge Christmas craft show. The decorated trees are always amazing.
I hope you have the joy of bringing a little greenery indoors to enjoy over the holidays.
Diane McGyver 