This year we bought our tree from Boy Scout Troop 1974 next to St. Thomas Aquinas here in Rio Rancho. What a great group or people they are. We pulled in about 7 p.m. Wednesday and were greeted by smiling faces who were ready to match us up with the perfect tree.
"What kind of tree are you looking for?" asked one of the den mothers, as two helpful Scouts stood by ready to assist.
I told her I only wanted to spend around $40, as I glanced at the tickets on the trees for $65 and up. I was informed their rates were about $8 a foot, which was better than many of the other lots in town. With the most convincing tone of voice, I told my daughters that the shorter trees are just as festive as the big ones, but they weren't buying it.
"How about this one?" my oldest daughter said as she stood next to a towering beauty like a "Price is Right" spokesmodel.
"That's pretty, how much is it?" I asked. "Ninety-five dollars," she sheepishly answered.
"Ah, let's keep looking," I said.
We continued to scour the rows of trees, and when I turned a corner, my daughters had found a 9-foot piñon with branches grown specifically for hanging Christmas ornaments.
"That's a good one, how much is it?" I asked. "This one is $36," said the den mother.
"Why so cheap?"
"It's from in state. The ones from Oregon are more expensive," she said.
After giving it some thought and careful examination, we all voted it was the prettiest tree on the lot and it wanted to come home with us.
The Scouts trimmed the bottom and put my stand on the tree. I paid my $36 and as I turned back to my daughters, who were now chatting with a den dad. I hear him say, "Someone has to buy the Charlie Brown trees."
What? Was the tree that took half an hour to pick out, the tree that I just paid for, really that bad? Sure, it had some bare spots, but that's where the Wizard of Oz ornament collection goes. I had never picked out a Christmas tree at night before and I felt like I was about to find out why.
Once we got the tree home and hung all of the decorations on it, we all agreed it was the most beautiful tree we ever had. Sure, it was lopsided with gaping holes. I did have to tie it to the wall, and it was lying against the television the next morning, but it's back up now. Go ahead, call it a Charlie Brown tree, I can take it.
And at Walmart, the stock boy told me the Valentine's Day merchandise arrived on the dock last week, and will be going on the shelves the day after Christmas. One week of this wonderful holiday season to go, my friends. Enjoy it before it's gone.
Christmas column next week: Write and tell me the best Christmas gift you ever received and how old you were when you got it.
Quote of the Week: "I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It's not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love." — Linus from "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
No comments:
Post a Comment