30-11-2008 - Fake Ugly Christmas Tree

My mood while writing this blog: Ok

Each year we make a decision whether to get a real Christmas tree or use our fake one depending on what's going on. If we're heading out of state/country then we'll use the fake one so we don't have to worry about watering etc. If we're having guests and parties then we'll go real.

Last year we had a gorgeous tree. It went all the way to the ceiling. Was full and pretty and we put almost everything we owned on it. We had or work Xmas party at my house so of course, it had to be extra special.

The place we went to last year sent us a flyer saying that they had horse drawn wagons as well as the hay rides this time. So DH and I were debating on the real or fake this year. We're not having any parties (work Xmas got delayed) and we're not offering to have the family over since it's so close to our due date. And we're also facing both of us losing our jobs here on Dec 8th. We work in the Auto industry and things are really tough. With all the cuts already, it could take a very long time to find a new job. So we were questioning spending the extra $50 or whatever on the tree. So there's no NEED for a really nice tree. BUT, the family trip to the Xmas tree farm would be so much fun! Austin loves the tractor rides and Lexi would love the horses. The tree gets shaken and wrapped so it's easy to transport home and get it inside and put it up. Would $50 really make that big of a difference over time???

Well, I lost the argument and DH said we're using the fake tree. Boo Hoo. So he brings it down and we put it up and it's the smallest thing you've ever seen compared to last years!!! The kind where you can string the lights around it standing in one place... It looked so pathetic. So DH drags down the one his grandma gave us since she moved into a small cond. It's the same size. So DH (Rob) decides to put it on the other side of the fireplace. So instead of one big beautiful tree, we have two smaller fake ones.

As the decorating began, my mum called from Australia. I don't get to 'talk' to her that often (only email) so I was on the phone for a while. She's having issues with my uncle contesting my gma's will and she's upset etc. So it was a long phone call. Rob hates all the ribbons and bows and big gold balls so he didn't put them on the tree. By the time I got to help, it was too late to say what I wanted. Then my two close friends in KS called. One was in town visiting with her 3mo old (she is in the process of trying to adopt the baby from her cousin and crack head mother, so lots of drama). Of course I can't say, I'll call you back, I'm arguing with Rob about ribbons and bows! By the time I got to help the only left to put on the tree were candy canes. =(

The trees look pretty, I guess, at night but this morning I got up and they look awful! Without the lights, there's not so much to look at!!! I know that sounds kind of crappy and selfish of me. At least I have trees and decorations etc. Believe me, I know, I grew up with my mum going and cutting a branch off a pine tree and we strung some mangey tinsel on it... BUT, it was just disappointing b/c on top of that we're having a really tight Xmas. On both sides of the family we're just pulling one name and doing a secret santa. Plus Rob is getting his Buck mounted and that's his present. I don't get to buy him anything. I'm not allowed to get the kids much b/c of our job situation. I love to shop for Christmas!!! I pulled my MIL in the secret santa and I already had her gift from a jewelry party I had during the Summer! We'll have 2 trees with nothing under them!!! LOL

Sorry this was boring but I had to tell someone! I don't want to seem as ungrateful as it sounds. I'm just bummed about the whole job loss, super tight purse strings this year.

Thanks for listening!