As a child we always had a real tree at home and I loved the pine smell although I couldnt understand why my dad used to get all riled up whem he had to put the tree into the bucket so us four kids could decorate it.
Then I left home and since have always insisted on a real tree, conditioning I suppose. She who must be obeyed, prior to taking pity and shacking up with me, always had a fake or replica tree but now she too is a real tree enthusiast.
Unfortunately I always leave it to the last minute which is why today, Xmas eve, I was out buying a tree.........the plus point is that the retailers are almost giving them away as its either sell or shred them.
As I was cursing and swearing, getting prickled to death, manhandling the tree into the bucket and thence into the living room for the daughter and Mrs to decorate I thought back to my dad and how he used to hate the tree erecting "ceremony" but loved the tree when dressed.
Our tree too looks lovely this evening.....
When I see my dad on Boxing Day I will bend his ear about why he didnt insist on artificial trees when we were small so I wouldnt have to go through the same ritual every Xmas.
You'd think giving me male pattern ba;ldness was enough, but no he has to sentence me to a life time of tree nightmares every Xmas........
cheers,
Tony
