When a Tree Does Not Have to Be a Tree

Two separate events happened this holiday season that had me thinking about alternatives to Christmas trees. Prior to these events, I never gave it much thought because one simply had to have a Christmas tree.

I went to go visit some cousins of mine, just to say hello a few weeks ago. They were in the midst of putting up their Christmas tree. A small six inch tall ceramic tree with multicolored light bulbs. It is a pretty tree. But, I always thought that was just a decoration and that later on during the season, they would put up a real or artificial tree. Right? No, they do not. I asked them about it this year... finally and they told me to look around... where exactly would a tree go? They had a point. Their house is the loveliest home. However, it is small. Moreover, they have some many people come to visit them throughout this time, they opted for the ceramic as it takes up last space and people can still roam around from the three central party areas... the kitchen, the living room and the back porch. If a tree proves to be an obstacle, especially if they can be a hindrance for wheelchair steering, then why have one? There is no need. After all, my cousins' home is one the most joyful and loving homes I have ever been in, so a tree is not a necessity at all. They are. They, with their loving and generous spirit are the necessity. Not a tree. And you know- that little ceramic tree is quite beautiful with its colorful glow and candles lit all around it.

The second event was quite upsetting. My dear friends were robbed last week. Stole everything they could carry, destroyed what they could not. My friends' tree was demolished, the ornaments she has had for years ruined. So much gone, taken from them and during this time of the year. Several of us got together to discuss ways to help. Get them a new tree? They prefer artificial, let's go! No, wait. She may still be too upset about the loss of her family ornaments to have a new tree with new ornaments so soon.

Brain storm time. While sitting down at a small cozy table in our local Starbucks, we came up with several options to help our friends resume their holiday season, tree wise.

Think outside the box

Our friend is an artist. She lives the individuality of art. We could paint a tree on a piece of burlap or wood and let it sit against the wall where her original tree was. The problem with this scenario was that she was the artist not us. A friend suggested that we pick a large tree branch, secure it in a Styrofoam- filled silver pot. Paint it or not, we could place small ornaments on the little branches. A different take on the small trees that anyone can purchase from any craft store.

Who said size matters?

Another friend wanted to purchase several small live trees and allow her to have a tree grouping this year. No ornaments, just small live trees placed throughout their home. I really liked that idea.

Lights, camera, action

What we went with, with our friend's husbands blessing and help, was with twisted several strands (10-12) of white, green and red lights. After we twisted the light strands, we arranged them in a tree pattern on the wall where their original tree was. After securing the lights with wire and the point with a hook, we willed the inside of the wall with pictures we all had of our friends and their family. It looked great and we all teared up upon completion.

This way she can decide her options for next year... but still have a tree this year.

I have learned trees can come from the most unexpected places. As long as they come from your heart, the size and shape matters not at all.