Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:30 AM

rbrnmw (7,160 posts)

Does Your Family Have A Holiday Tree?

30 votes, 0 passes \| Time left: Unlimited
	Yes
	15 (50%)
	No
	13 (43%)
	Sometimes
	2 (7%)
	0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
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149 replies	Author	Time	Post
Does Your Family Have A Holiday Tree? (Original post)	rbrnmw	Nov 2013	OP
No. My family consists of me and three cats.	The Velveteen Ocelot	Nov 2013	#1
yeah not a good fit always	rbrnmw	Nov 2013	#4
...	ScreamingMeemie	Nov 2013	#7
Aww So Cute	rbrnmw	Nov 2013	#8
OMG! One year my daughter came back upstairs crying on xmas morning.	woodsprite	Nov 2013	#13
One of my cats chews the needles...	tosh	Nov 2013	#29
This is my first year with my cat and a tree...	Agschmid	Nov 2013	#16
...	ScreamingMeemie	Nov 2013	#25
I have a Christmas Tree. Is that OK?	cali	Nov 2013	#2
Sure Its Ok	rbrnmw	Nov 2013	#5
thank god (no pun intended) that we at DU won't get flamed for having a tree ! nt	Laura PourMeADrink	Nov 2013	#24
We have a Christmas tree.	Blue_In_AK	Nov 2013	#120
I have two of them in my basement...	thecrow	Nov 2013	#134
That would solve the problem.	Blue_In_AK	Nov 2013	#138
agreed	Travis_0004	Nov 2013	#37
and I agree with you...Holiday tree, my ass, it's a Christmas Tree. n/t	whathehell	Nov 2013	#87
Yeah, I find really irritating when people want to rename Halloween "harvest" this or that.	lunamagica	Nov 2013	#105
+1	Go Vols	Nov 2013	#128
I have a Christmas tree and will be putting up Xmas lights on house soon,	snooper2	Nov 2013	#39
ITA. I grew up with a Christmas tree. It brings back precious	lunamagica	Nov 2013	#103
Tune into Faux Newz for the latest in the "War on Christmas"	Cali_Democrat	Nov 2013	#124
I have a Christmas Tree , as well	etherealtruth	Nov 2013	#140
We have a Christmas tree and a Festivus pole. nt	City Lights	Nov 2013	#3
Festivus, for the rest of us. ha ha that was the first thing I thought of too. nt	Snotcicles	Nov 2013	#141
I go Full Griswold	NightWatcher	Nov 2013	#6
I'm full Griswold too!	JustAnotherGen	Nov 2013	#14
Yay!	HappyMe	Nov 2013	#19
Don't kill a tree for Christ's sake.	Coyotl	Nov 2013	#9
Real trees are much more environmentally than fake ones with all the plastic and chemicals (nt)	Nye Bevan	Nov 2013	#23
I actually don't feel bad about it -- Xmas trees here in Oregon are grown as a crop.	Arugula Latte	Nov 2013	#55
While we import food from Chile and undocumented tree trimmers from Mexico	Coyotl	Nov 2013	#83
Well, I'm not sure. I know a lot of the land used for Xmas trees is very hilly.	Arugula Latte	Nov 2013	#88
What if the farm plants a new one for every tree they sell? (nt)	Nye Bevan	Nov 2013	#56
Actually buying a tree from one of those roadside setups is not bad.	Glassunion	Nov 2013	#70
Regarding point #3	Chellee	Nov 2013	#127
Yes	Glassunion	Nov 2013	#133
It's the vegan option!	nolabear	Nov 2013	#75
Yes... Used to be real, but we have been using a fake one	ScreamingMeemie	Nov 2013	#10
I have a fake Christmas Tree	Puzzledtraveller	Nov 2013	#11
we are putting our	Niceguy1	Nov 2013	#12
I have a ceramic tree that I inherited from my grandmother.	LuvNewcastle	Nov 2013	#15
Oh! I made 3 of those back in the day.	HappyMe	Nov 2013	#22
It's nice to have something that reminds you of the good times with your family,	LuvNewcastle	Nov 2013	#33
I have one of those too, my Grandmother made one for all the grandkids.	FSogol	Nov 2013	#40
Once and my cat made sure it paid for entering its domain	Arcanetrance	Nov 2013	#17
i just love all the color and sparkle of the season	Epiphany4z	Nov 2013	#18
Our Christmas tree is in a box. It will come out on or after Thanksgiving.	onehandle	Nov 2013	#20
Saying "holiday tree" instead of "Christmas tree" is as ridiculous	Nye Bevan	Nov 2013	#21
Yule trees pre-date "Christmas" trees	csziggy	Nov 2013	#72
And how many people celebrate the yule festival	Travis_0004	Nov 2013	#78
I am close to more people that celebrate Yule than celebrate Christmas	csziggy	Nov 2013	#81
To me, this is celebration of light in the world.	Big Blue Marble	Nov 2013	#90
I'm OK with that	csziggy	Nov 2013	#93
I have learned to tune them out, and celebrate this holiday with gusto in my own way.	Big Blue Marble	Nov 2013	#98
I wish I could - but I will probably have to be with my in laws	csziggy	Nov 2013	#109
That really does sound difficult.	Big Blue Marble	Nov 2013	#110
This is My Interpretation	RobinA	Nov 2013	#125
Yes i think that way too.	Big Blue Marble	Nov 2013	#144
I tried that with a Jewish friend and got soundly challenged!	CTyankee	Nov 2013	#102
+1	Puzzledtraveller	Nov 2013	#77
+100. n/t	Skip Intro	Nov 2013	#131
My wife and I don't "do" holidays.	X_Digger	Nov 2013	#26
X 1000	RC	Nov 2013	#38
I love my family all year round and I love Christmas too (nt)	Nye Bevan	Nov 2013	#52
I respect the decision, but disagree. I LOVE holidays!	nolabear	Nov 2013	#79
So well said.	Big Blue Marble	Nov 2013	#96
True dat. Solstice is as wonderful. The light returns! We will be okay!	nolabear	Nov 2013	#113
You're absolutely correct.	HappyMe	Nov 2013	#97
A nice tradition, your cross stitch ornaments. I can only make origami ones.	nolabear	Nov 2013	#114
When I tried origami it	HappyMe	Nov 2013	#116
We do something special every so often, but it's rarely on a holiday.	X_Digger	Nov 2013	#122
Yes, it's fake because i hate the fact that people	giftedgirl77	Nov 2013	#27
You know Christmas trees are grown on farms, right?	DesMoinesDem	Nov 2013	#36
So? I bought my tree 8 years ago & use the same	giftedgirl77	Nov 2013	#44
One day your plastic tree will be in a landfill, leaching chemicals into the water table.	Nye Bevan	Nov 2013	#54
Uh, yes. Why wouldn't that be acceptable?	DesMoinesDem	Nov 2013	#66
Why must you assume every single tree is	giftedgirl77	Nov 2013	#94
Because they are all made in China.	DesMoinesDem	Nov 2013	#99
I spent an incredible amount of money to buy a real tree with root ball to plant afterwards	hlthe2b	Nov 2013	#43
I love the way they smell & when we were kids	giftedgirl77	Nov 2013	#45
I buy my tree from the same guy every year.	Big Blue Marble	Nov 2013	#85
Yes, a very small artificial one.	MoonRiver	Nov 2013	#28
Yes, I have a Christmas Tree.	NCTraveler	Nov 2013	#30
Don't worry about the "Holiday Tree" gripes, rbrnmw	Paladin	Nov 2013	#31
Just want to share this story.	UncleYoder	Nov 2013	#32
Jim Gaffigan got it right--the tree tradition is the behavior of a drunk man	NuclearDem	Nov 2013	#34
My Christmas tree is in the envelope it came in.	RC	Nov 2013	#35
No, we have a Christmas tree, to honor the Solstice with bright lights.	Shrike47	Nov 2013	#41
So it's a "Solstice Tree"?	whathehell	Nov 2013	#89
Most Christmas trees are grown right around here	Ron Green	Nov 2013	#42
There's a Christmas tree farm not that far from here.	HappyMe	Nov 2013	#46
Yep, I love Christmas, despite the fact that I'm very likely allergic to the trees.	a la izquierda	Nov 2013	#47
I answered NO because:	kestrel91316	Nov 2013	#48
I answered no,	Ranchemp.	Nov 2013	#49
Six of one, half a dozen of the other...	LanternWaste	Nov 2013	#60
Agree.	Ranchemp.	Nov 2013	#65
Sorry that you have to work Christmas.	ieoeja	Nov 2013	#117
No, but we have a Christmas tree...	B2G	Nov 2013	#50
Yes.	Vashta Nerada	Nov 2013	#51
Yes. Our atheist family has a tree honoring the Reason for the Season -- the solstice.	Arugula Latte	Nov 2013	#53
Same here.	JNelson6563	Nov 2013	#63
Yes indeed.	Arugula Latte	Nov 2013	#69
Very nice.	JNelson6563	Nov 2013	#71
We only put one up on the years that the	Skidmore	Nov 2013	#57
I do	LittleBlue	Nov 2013	#58
Actually two of them	tularetom	Nov 2013	#59
We have a Christmas tree	demwing	Nov 2013	#61
abolutely	alc	Nov 2013	#62
Do you mean right now, or ever?	LWolf	Nov 2013	#64
If we get a tree, it gets planted	csziggy	Nov 2013	#67
No	2naSalit	Nov 2013	#68
Love Christmas; love our Christmas tree.	Big Blue Marble	Nov 2013	#73
I'm not scared to call it a Christmas tree.	Dreamer Tatum	Nov 2013	#74
I say yes even though I've skipped a few times over the years due to extenuating circumstances.	IrishAyes	Nov 2013	#76
Yes (nt)	bigwillq	Nov 2013	#80
When my kids were small, I did	shanti	Nov 2013	#82
Yes, our family has a Christmas tree, even though my wife and I are both agnostics.	aristocles	Nov 2013	#84
Not until AFTER nolabear's birthday!	nolabear	Nov 2013	#86
bah humbug	rdking647	Nov 2013	#91
There are thousands of trees all around me - why kill one and drag it indoors? n/t	Scootaloo	Nov 2013	#92
1. It looks beautiful and reminds me that Christmas is coming.	Nye Bevan	Nov 2013	#106
Well, if you like	Scootaloo	Nov 2013	#111
I'm an atheist, but I refuse to call my Christmas tree a "holiday tree".	Throd	Nov 2013	#95
Have aluminum tree with rotating light -- love the light show late at night.	Hoyt	Nov 2013	#100
I said no but we do have a ceramic tree my M-I-L made us over 45 years ago.	appleannie1	Nov 2013	#101
WTF is a Holiday Tree? Is that like the Festivus Pole?	Drunken Irishman	Nov 2013	#104
It's not time for the airing of grievances yet!	Scootaloo	Nov 2013	#112
I am shocked you haven't heard of at least one Holiday Tree. The Christmas Tree, for example.	ieoeja	Nov 2013	#118
A Holiday tree?	Amaya	Nov 2013	#107
Kind of like Spring Spheres.	Nye Bevan	Nov 2013	#115
No	Keefer	Nov 2013	#108
Not yet, but we'll be putting up the Christmas tree in the next couple of weeks or so.	11 Bravo	Nov 2013	#119
Yes, but some years ago I got a virtual tree, a kind of lacy cone...	Hekate	Nov 2013	#121
Hmmmmmmm? How to answer................Not yet!	HereSince1628	Nov 2013	#123
This about sums up my life around the holidays.	ForgoTheConsequence	Nov 2013	#126
Aww... it gets better.	Chellee	Nov 2013	#130
My Halloween tree is still up	Go Vols	Nov 2013	#129
Yes I'm Christian and celebrate the holiday	Freddie	Nov 2013	#132
No - we have a Christmas tree. Nt	hack89	Nov 2013	#135
Everyone in my house loves Christmas decorations even my two atheist children.	liberal_at_heart	Nov 2013	#136
Yes, big artificial ones.	Manifestor_of_Light	Nov 2013	#137
No way pip we have a Christmas tree...	ileus	Nov 2013	#139
No, it's called a Christmas tree.	CFLDem	Nov 2013	#142
People should be able to call it whatever they want to call it, especially since	liberal_at_heart	Nov 2013	#148
We are Jewish	nadinbrzezinski	Nov 2013	#143
Nnnnnnope. But in a few weeks, my house will have a Christmas Tree.	cherokeeprogressive	Nov 2013	#145
lol... we have a christmas tree. it is ok to use the word, really. nt	seabeyond	Nov 2013	#146
We have a Christmas Tree. nt	badtoworse	Nov 2013	#147
I don't even have a Festivus poll	donheld	Nov 2013	#149

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:31 AM

The Velveteen Ocelot (100,014 posts)

1. No. My family consists of me and three cats.

I've never had much luck mixing cats and Christmas trees.

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Response to The Velveteen Ocelot (Reply #1)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:34 AM

rbrnmw (7,160 posts)

4. yeah not a good fit always

I spray vinegar around mine and the cats dont mess with it they hate the smell of vinegar

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Response to The Velveteen Ocelot (Reply #1)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:35 AM

ScreamingMeemie (68,918 posts)

7. ...

My House:

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Response to ScreamingMeemie (Reply #7)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:36 AM

rbrnmw (7,160 posts)

8. Aww So Cute

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Response to The Velveteen Ocelot (Reply #1)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:47 AM

woodsprite (11,057 posts)

13. OMG! One year my daughter came back upstairs crying on xmas morning.

She had gone down early, before any of us were up, and found our xmas tree laying in the middle of the floor (courtesy of my two cats) with all her presents trapped underneath. Ever since then, we 'anchor' the tree to the wall with buttonhole thread -- just enough to make it stable but the thread just seems to fade into the wall color. Thankfully no kitties were hurt, just a few glass ornaments bit the dust.

We went to having an artificial tree when my one cat got pine needles stuck in her throat. They wouldn't chew on the artificial tree, but they sure like to lay on it's branches.

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Response to woodsprite (Reply #13)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:04 AM

tosh (4,294 posts)

29. One of my cats chews the needles...

even if they are artificial!

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Response to The Velveteen Ocelot (Reply #1)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:50 AM

Agschmid (28,742 posts)

16. This is my first year with my cat and a tree...

Should provide hours of entertainment... And yes the tree will be tied to the ceiling.

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Response to Agschmid (Reply #16)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:02 AM

ScreamingMeemie (68,918 posts)

25. ...

Have fun! I have a hard time getting mad at my own...they can't help it!

http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/25-cats-in-on-and-under-christmas-trees

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:32 AM

cali (114,904 posts)

2. I have a Christmas Tree. Is that OK?

It has nothing to do with religion for me but its still something I think of as a Christmas Tree.

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Response to cali (Reply #2)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:35 AM

rbrnmw (7,160 posts)

5. Sure Its Ok

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Response to cali (Reply #2)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:02 AM

Laura PourMeADrink (38,350 posts)

24. thank god (no pun intended) that we at DU won't get flamed for having a tree ! nt

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Response to Laura PourMeADrink (Reply #24)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 03:48 PM

Blue_In_AK (46,436 posts)

120. We have a Christmas tree.

I finally broke down and let my husband buy a fake one a couple years ago, after years of resisting. It's a very realistic-looking one though, and we spray it with pine air freshener to complete the deception.

I have no problem with whatever anyone wants to call the winter holiday.

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Response to Blue_In_AK (Reply #120)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 06:36 PM

thecrow (5,388 posts)

134. I have two of them in my basement...

but nobody will bring them up the stairs and help me decorate, so there they sit.
Maybe I shold set them up in my basement and never take them down!

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Response to thecrow (Reply #134)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 07:32 PM

Blue_In_AK (46,436 posts)

138. That would solve the problem.

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Response to cali (Reply #2)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:24 AM

Travis_0004 (5,417 posts)

37. agreed

Im fine with people saying happy holidays, but if you put a tree in your house for one month its probably because you are celebrating christmas. I think calling it a holday tree just reeks of too much PC BS.

So my response. Yes I have a christmas tree. I do not have a holiday tree so I didnt vote in the poll.

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Response to Travis_0004 (Reply #37)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:08 PM

whathehell (26,973 posts)

87. and I agree with you...Holiday tree, my ass, it's a Christmas Tree. n/t

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Response to Travis_0004 (Reply #37)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 02:01 PM

lunamagica (9,967 posts)

105. Yeah, I find really irritating when people want to rename Halloween "harvest" this or that.

Its HALLOWEEN!

Same with the "Holiday tree" No, it's a Christmas tree

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Response to lunamagica (Reply #105)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 05:41 PM

Go Vols (5,902 posts)

128. +1

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Response to cali (Reply #2)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:29 AM

snooper2 (30,151 posts)

39. I have a Christmas tree and will be putting up Xmas lights on house soon,

Atheists need to take the word Christmas and make it our own

Besides, we actually know where Santa lives, at the North Pole...

I've asked THOUSANDS of times where the fuck Jesabus is hanging out but NOOOOO, never get an answer. People can't even tell me if he/she/it is made up of matter!

Now Santa on the other hand is totally real. My daughter sat on his lap last year at the mall! I've got PICTURES! Never seen anybody ever produce a picture of them doing a fist bump with jesus have you?

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Response to cali (Reply #2)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:55 PM

lunamagica (9,967 posts)

103. ITA. I grew up with a Christmas tree. It brings back precious

memories and I don't want to call it anything else.

As for the question, no not yet. Waiting until Thanksgiving

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Response to cali (Reply #2)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 05:14 PM

Cali_Democrat (30,439 posts)

124. Tune into Faux Newz for the latest in the "War on Christmas"

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Response to cali (Reply #2)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 07:53 PM

etherealtruth (22,165 posts)

140. I have a Christmas Tree , as well

no religious connection ... but, an extreme emotional attachment

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:33 AM

City Lights (25,171 posts)

3. We have a Christmas tree and a Festivus pole. nt

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Response to City Lights (Reply #3)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 07:55 PM

Snotcicles (9,089 posts)

141. Festivus, for the rest of us. ha ha that was the first thing I thought of too. nt

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:35 AM

NightWatcher (39,293 posts)

6. I go Full Griswold

I have a 2 1/2 year old. Her playhouse even has a tree and lights

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Response to NightWatcher (Reply #6)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:47 AM

JustAnotherGen (29,629 posts)

14. I'm full Griswold too!

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Response to NightWatcher (Reply #6)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:52 AM

HappyMe (20,277 posts)

19. Yay!

I did that when my kids were young too. Loved every minute of it.

My sons are 27 now and I live out of state. I still put up a Christmas tree. It reminds me of how great Christmas was when I was a kid, and of my sons... all happy, warm memories. It's about what's in your heart.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:38 AM

Coyotl (15,262 posts)

9. Don't kill a tree for Christ's sake.

Reply to this post

Response to Coyotl (Reply #9)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:01 AM

Nye Bevan (25,406 posts)

23. Real trees are much more environmentally than fake ones with all the plastic and chemicals (nt)

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Response to Coyotl (Reply #9)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:18 PM

Arugula Latte (50,566 posts)

55. I actually don't feel bad about it -- Xmas trees here in Oregon are grown as a crop.

They're replanted every year. It's a big industry for this state.

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Response to Arugula Latte (Reply #55)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:05 PM

Coyotl (15,262 posts)

83. While we import food from Chile and undocumented tree trimmers from Mexico

Some of that land could be productive of food commodities as well and employ more people, but demand places more value on a disposable tree.

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Response to Coyotl (Reply #83)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:09 PM

Arugula Latte (50,566 posts)

88. Well, I'm not sure. I know a lot of the land used for Xmas trees is very hilly.

Evergreens naturally cover the slopes of hills and mountains. I think farming for food on a lot of this land might not be a good match. The industry definitely employs a LOT of people here, too.

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Response to Coyotl (Reply #9)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:19 PM

Nye Bevan (25,406 posts)

56. What if the farm plants a new one for every tree they sell? (nt)

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Response to Coyotl (Reply #9)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:49 PM

Glassunion (10,201 posts)

70. Actually buying a tree from one of those roadside setups is not bad.

#1. They are sustainable. For every tree they cut down, they plant one in its place.
#2. It supports a local business. The tree farmers in my area are local farmers.
#3. They smell nice.

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Response to Glassunion (Reply #70)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 05:34 PM

Chellee (1,809 posts)

127. Regarding point #3

the trees or the farmers?

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Response to Chellee (Reply #127)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 06:24 PM

Glassunion (10,201 posts)

133. Yes

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Response to Coyotl (Reply #9)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:57 PM

nolabear (39,625 posts)

75. It's the vegan option!

Seriously, Christmas trees are great crops here in WA and if I was unwilling to kill a tree I wouldn't be able to live. No endangered species went into the making of my Christmas, I promise.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:39 AM

ScreamingMeemie (68,918 posts)

10. Yes... Used to be real, but we have been using a fake one

for the past 6 years. It usually ends up being a Valentine's Day tree as well.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:42 AM

Puzzledtraveller (5,937 posts)

11. I have a fake Christmas Tree

Like a Charlie Brown one.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:43 AM

Niceguy1 (2,467 posts)

12. we are putting our

Christmas tree up this weekend. The cat will love it.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:48 AM

LuvNewcastle (15,230 posts)

15. I have a ceramic tree that I inherited from my grandmother.

It's white and it has little bulbs of different colors that are lit by a light bulb that fits inside the tree. I always set it up on my coffee table. It always makes me think of my grandparents when it's lit up at night. I'll put it up after Thanksgiving and take it down between Christmas and New Year's.

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Response to LuvNewcastle (Reply #15)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:00 AM

HappyMe (20,277 posts)

22. Oh! I made 3 of those back in the day.

One for my aunt, grandma and stepmom. I only made 1 white one, the tips were flecked with white or clear sparklies.

Good times.

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Response to HappyMe (Reply #22)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:15 AM

LuvNewcastle (15,230 posts)

33. It's nice to have something that reminds you of the good times with your family,

especially at Christmas time.

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Response to LuvNewcastle (Reply #15)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:34 AM

FSogol (42,653 posts)

40. I have one of those too, my Grandmother made one for all the grandkids.

She made spares for future grandkids too.

We get a real tree, which we get around Dec 1 and remove on Jan 6. Love the pine smell and lights.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:50 AM

Arcanetrance (2,670 posts)

17. Once and my cat made sure it paid for entering its domain

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:51 AM

Epiphany4z (2,234 posts)

18. i just love all the color and sparkle of the season

raising my own heathen hoard ..lol..a family of atheist who would never miss xmas we celebrate life in general. Good times, good food, lots of warm family hugs.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:54 AM

onehandle (51,122 posts)

20. Our Christmas tree is in a box. It will come out on or after Thanksgiving.

Will string lights in windows and outside, put up Christmas decor here and there, and my wife will put several up crèches around the house.

Soy nog with Bénédictine will appear like magic.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 10:59 AM

Nye Bevan (25,406 posts)

21. Saying "holiday tree" instead of "Christmas tree" is as ridiculous

as saying "Holiday Candelabra" instead of "Menorah".

The tree is for Christmas, not any other holiday. And I highly doubt that anyone anywhere this Christmas will refer in conversation to their "holiday tree".

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Response to Nye Bevan (Reply #21)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:54 PM

csziggy (33,524 posts)

72. Yule trees pre-date "Christmas" trees

Christians preempting the holy days of other religions is an old cynical habit of theirs. They took the Yule Festival, the fall and spring equinoxes - I wonder how the Catholic Church missed stealing the midsummer festival?

http://www.thelivingmoon.com/44cosmic_wisdom/02files/Tree_Life04.html

I like the name "Holiday tree" - it doesn't claim the decorative tradition for any one sect or religion.

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Response to csziggy (Reply #72)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:00 PM

Travis_0004 (5,417 posts)

78. And how many people celebrate the yule festival

My guess is far less than 1% so Im going to keep calling it a christmas tree.

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Response to Travis_0004 (Reply #78)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:04 PM

csziggy (33,524 posts)

81. I am close to more people that celebrate Yule than celebrate Christmas

And those people tend to live by the tenets of their beliefs. But I know more people that call themselves "Christian" than actually live by the tenets of their various sects. That is why I am closer to the non-Christians than I am to the "Christians".

My post above was objecting to Nye Bevan's post claiming that decorated trees in the middle of the winter were only called "Christmas" trees. That was not originally true and it still is not completely true.

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Response to csziggy (Reply #81)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:12 PM

Big Blue Marble (4,380 posts)

90. To me, this is celebration of light in the world.

Literally and symbolically, Christmas is about the return of light to the world.
Mas means a celebration and Christ comes from the Greek word for light.

It we go beyond the literal celebration as many christians view it, celebrating
Christmas is a powerful celebration of light and expansion in the cycle of the
year and in our lives.

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Response to Big Blue Marble (Reply #90)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:17 PM

csziggy (33,524 posts)

93. I'm OK with that

As a non-believer, I am for whatever brings joy and enlightenment to people. What I object to is Christians shoving their religion down my throat at every opportunity. That is pretty much the only reason I fight the prevalence of "Christmas" at this time of year.

When it was not made a war on other religions, I didn't worry about the labels. Once "Christians" objected to generic holiday greetings, I was ready to give them the fight they seemed to be looking for.

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Response to csziggy (Reply #93)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:29 PM

Big Blue Marble (4,380 posts)

98. I have learned to tune them out, and celebrate this holiday with gusto in my own way.

They would not approve of the way we celebrate Christmas without any religious context.
And their opinion does not matter to me or my family.

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Response to Big Blue Marble (Reply #98)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 02:08 PM

csziggy (33,524 posts)

109. I wish I could - but I will probably have to be with my in laws

Most of the family is OK - it the fundie BIL who insists on things being HIS way. Whenever I can, I avoid going to events at his house, but some years it's unavoidable. Since I do like the rest of the family I want to participate in get togethers. I just don't understand how someone raised Unitarian ends up marrying a fundamentalist!

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Response to csziggy (Reply #109)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 02:18 PM

Big Blue Marble (4,380 posts)

110. That really does sound difficult.

Fortunately, my celebrations are with immediate family who are all on the same
secular page about this holiday. Family tension like yours, are so sad and interfere
with your enjoyment of the holidays.

If only arrogance and certainty were not part of some peoples belief and they
could celebrate out differences as well as our shared values with humility.

Beliefs are not facts; that is why they are called beliefs (LOL), but then
people like your BIL just do not get that.

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Response to Big Blue Marble (Reply #90)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 05:25 PM

RobinA (8,821 posts)

125. This is My Interpretation

The return of the light. So yeah, we kind of celebrate Yule. With a manger scene thrown in. I find the Christmas story an enjoyable myth that I chose to see as a metaphor rather than actual people in donkeys looking for a place to have their child.

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Response to RobinA (Reply #125)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:54 PM

Big Blue Marble (4,380 posts)

144. Yes i think that way too.

I enjoy the ancient Christmas music in much the same way. It connects me to the human
heart, the human struggle. In that way, it is timeless. Ancient peoples struggled with life
as we do. They had no scientific context and so they created myth to describe the mystery.
These myths are beautiful in their own way.

When we celebrate the return of the light, we connect with our heritage as well as the
cycle of life, not such a bad thing to celebrate after all.

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Response to csziggy (Reply #72)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:53 PM

CTyankee (60,226 posts)

102. I tried that with a Jewish friend and got soundly challenged!

She wasn't having any of it. To her, a Christmas tree is a Christmas tree, period.

Reply to this post

Response to Nye Bevan (Reply #21)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:59 PM

Puzzledtraveller (5,937 posts)

77. +1

Reply to this post

Response to Nye Bevan (Reply #21)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 06:04 PM

Skip Intro (19,768 posts)

131. +100. n/t

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:02 AM

X_Digger (18,585 posts)

26. My wife and I don't "do" holidays.

No presents, no special dinners, no special spending at all. That goes for birthdays and anniversaries, too.

If it takes a holiday and spending money to show how much you love / care for / appreciate your family or partner- then you're doing it wrong the rest of the year.

Reply to this post

Response to X_Digger (Reply #26)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:25 AM

RC (25,592 posts)

38. X 1000

When a plus just doesn't cut it.

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Response to X_Digger (Reply #26)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:16 PM

Nye Bevan (25,406 posts)

52. I love my family all year round and I love Christmas too (nt)

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Response to X_Digger (Reply #26)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:02 PM

nolabear (39,625 posts)

79. I respect the decision, but disagree. I LOVE holidays!

It doesn't take one at all for me to show love or appreciation. I do, every time I'm smart enough to stop taking the people and world I love for granted, and I don't take them for granted much. I just enjoy doing something special then. It breaks up the routine, makes people smile, is as irrational and silly as you can be, and just makes my heart soar. I love the fact that people leap in and participate together in rituals that bind us together. The only thing that makes me sad is when it's used to be divisive.

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Response to nolabear (Reply #79)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:21 PM

Big Blue Marble (4,380 posts)

96. So well said.

Celebrations of annual holidays filled with traditions, some old, some new, bring our families
together to share our love and connections. They connect us to times of our past when we were
children or when our own children were young. When celebrated culturally, these holidays
bring us together as a community as they have for millennia. In that regard, they also connect
us with our ancestors who shared these celebrations. And lastly, they connect us to the cycles
in time and the year. To me, Christmas and Solstice celebrations are the most meaningful of all.
I celebrate them with great intensity.

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Response to Big Blue Marble (Reply #96)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 02:50 PM

nolabear (39,625 posts)

113. True dat. Solstice is as wonderful. The light returns! We will be okay!

Imagine how our wayback ancestors must have celebrated. Light! Light!

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Response to nolabear (Reply #79)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:23 PM

HappyMe (20,277 posts)

97. You're absolutely correct.

Irrational and silly be damned, I love Christmas. Small kindnesses and appreciation are the way to go all year long.

Whether the celebration is fancy and elaborate or small and homey - it connects people and warms the heart.

Now I'm all fired up!

I'm going to pull out my cross stitch ornament patterns and threads and get to work.

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Response to HappyMe (Reply #97)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 02:52 PM

nolabear (39,625 posts)

114. A nice tradition, your cross stitch ornaments. I can only make origami ones.

But I love my origami ones! My favorites, of course, are the little handprints and cutouts and things my now grown sons made. I was as delighted by those as I would have been gold and diamond ones. I still am.

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Response to nolabear (Reply #114)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 03:00 PM

HappyMe (20,277 posts)

116. When I tried origami it

ended up looking like a jam in a copy machine.

I had things that my sons made when they were little. When I moved east, I left them with the boys. Sometimes one or the other will call when they get them out and we reminisce.

I have all sorts of odd ornaments.

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Response to nolabear (Reply #79)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 04:03 PM

X_Digger (18,585 posts)

122. We do something special every so often, but it's rarely on a holiday.

It's not expected, therefore it means so much more to both of us.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:03 AM

giftedgirl77 (4,713 posts)

27. Yes, it's fake because i hate the fact that people

kill trees for a damn holiday. Yes, my husband has to listen to me bitch for almost 2 months about it. We have to anchor it to the wall because my cats think it is the most awesome creation ever to come into the house & I spend most of the season picking the balls up around the house because the dogs & cats carry them around.

I have accepted I will never have a grown-up tree, it's always madness.

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Response to giftedgirl77 (Reply #27)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:24 AM

DesMoinesDem (1,569 posts)

36. You know Christmas trees are grown on farms, right?

These trees would never have been planted if it weren't for Christmas. How is buying a plastic tree from China better than buying a tree grown in the US specifically for Christmas?

Reply to this post

Response to DesMoinesDem (Reply #36)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:52 AM

giftedgirl77 (4,713 posts)

44. So? I bought my tree 8 years ago & use the same

one every year. It's supposed to be acceptable to just grow all these trees year after year just so they can be cut down dried out then thrown out? Please.

Reply to this post

Response to giftedgirl77 (Reply #44)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:18 PM

Nye Bevan (25,406 posts)

54. One day your plastic tree will be in a landfill, leaching chemicals into the water table.

My real tree is biodegradable and they plant a new one for every one they sell.

Reply to this post

Response to giftedgirl77 (Reply #44)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:45 PM

DesMoinesDem (1,569 posts)

66. Uh, yes. Why wouldn't that be acceptable?

Why do you think not growing a tree is better than planting a tree and cutting it down? In addition, most Christmas trees are recycled. I would rather plant a tree and cut it down every year than pay to have some plastic shipped over from China.

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Response to DesMoinesDem (Reply #66)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:18 PM

giftedgirl77 (4,713 posts)

94. Why must you assume every single tree is

made in China? Some people have more sense than that, no different than shopping at Wal-Mart, Sans Club or any other factory surplus stores. There are several tree farms around here & it is my opinion that it sucks that people make the decision to have a tree dry up in their home for a month just for shits & giggles. However, it is not as if I protest these actions in anyway shape or form, I merely stated my opinion.

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Response to giftedgirl77 (Reply #94)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:35 PM

DesMoinesDem (1,569 posts)

99. Because they are all made in China.

I challenge you to find any artificial trees made anywhere besides China. Why do you think it sucks and is unacceptable to plant a tree and cut it down. Why is not planting a tree at all better?

Reply to this post

Response to giftedgirl77 (Reply #27)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:46 AM

hlthe2b (91,613 posts)

43. I spent an incredible amount of money to buy a real tree with root ball to plant afterwards

one year.... It was so heavy that I had to pay two guys to get it in and to plant it afterwards. It smelled heavenly, I cared for it "religiously", put it in the garage afterwards to transition into planting outside and planted on a warmish winter day providing tremendous aftercare the next two months.

It died. I cried.

There is NOTHING like a real tree, but I now put up a small fake one (most years) or nothing at all (last year). Then I go on the annual search to find the BEST candles, reed diffusers and similar to try to recreate the smell that I sorely miss.

I am appalled at how much they charge for "real" Christmas trees in some areas, even though I realize it is mostly transportation costs driving up the cost. And, yes, it is sad to see these beautiful trees all sacrificed for a holiday--but they are farm-raised, so if one gets past the "green house gases" produced to transport them, it is probably a "wash"...

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Response to hlthe2b (Reply #43)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:57 AM

giftedgirl77 (4,713 posts)

45. I love the way they smell & when we were kids

we used to go up to the mountains & cut down a huge tree. I just think it sucks, I hate going to Home Depot after the holidays & seeing huge piles of dead trees. All to have a pretty tree for 2 weeks.

Reply to this post

Response to giftedgirl77 (Reply #27)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:07 PM

Big Blue Marble (4,380 posts)

85. I buy my tree from the same guy every year.

I have been for over twenty years. He brings his trees in from NC
where he buys them from small farming operations.

When I purchase my tree, I am supporting my local economy and
the economy of the US. All the money stays in the US. None of
it goes to Multi-nationals, big box stores or China.

After my celebration, the tree is used in my back yard as a shelter
for the birds and squirrels, then later recycled back to the earth.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:04 AM

MoonRiver (36,925 posts)

28. Yes, a very small artificial one.

All I do is slap on the ornaments, and presto, Christmas is on!

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:06 AM

NCTraveler (30,481 posts)

30. Yes, I have a Christmas Tree.

I ask the local director of the part what kind of tree he would like for the park. He tells me and I pick it up. Bring it home, decorate it, and show it great love. After the new year I drive it to the park and give it to the director. He loves it. They now have multiple Christmas trees of mine growing happily in the park.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:12 AM

Paladin (25,225 posts)

31. Don't worry about the "Holiday Tree" gripes, rbrnmw

If you used that phrase on a right-wing site, you'd be getting death threats by now. Spirit of the season, and all that.....

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:12 AM

UncleYoder (233 posts)

32. Just want to share this story.

My grandmother lived in a big old 2 story farmhouse. She had a beautiful artificial Christmas tree every year. And every year on Dec. 31st she would have me unplug the lights and carry it upstairs to the back bedroom and throw a sheet over it. Where it would stay until next year's installation. Two minutes to replace the tinsel that got knocked off coming down the stairs and we were ready for Santa.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:17 AM

NuclearDem (16,184 posts)

34. Jim Gaffigan got it right--the tree tradition is the behavior of a drunk man

(Also, yes, I have one. Fake.)

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:22 AM

RC (25,592 posts)

35. My Christmas tree is in the envelope it came in.

I probably will not put it up, even if I do find it.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:40 AM

Shrike47 (6,731 posts)

41. No, we have a Christmas tree, to honor the Solstice with bright lights.

Reply to this post

Response to Shrike47 (Reply #41)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:09 PM

whathehell (26,973 posts)

89. So it's a "Solstice Tree"?

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 11:46 AM

Ron Green (9,609 posts)

42. Most Christmas trees are grown right around here

and a good friend and local Dem official is a good-sized tree farmer. Please buy an Oregon Christmas tree this year.

Reply to this post

Response to Ron Green (Reply #42)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:03 PM

HappyMe (20,277 posts)

46. There's a Christmas tree farm not that far from here.

I have my husband convinced that we will do the cut your own thing this year.

Supporting local farms and businesses is the right thing to do.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:08 PM

a la izquierda (11,477 posts)

47. Yep, I love Christmas, despite the fact that I'm very likely allergic to the trees.

Oh well. I'm likely allergic to my dogs too.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:11 PM

kestrel91316 (51,666 posts)

48. I answered NO because:

A - I don't personally have a tree up, but it's just me and my 2 cats so I probably don't qualify as a "family". I probably should have sat out the poll.

B - My ACTUAL FAMILY in WI puts up a tree every year, but our family tradition has been to put the tree up only a week or 10 days before Christmas so they don't technically either.

C - If I decided to spend a lot of time and money on something just for me, my own tree wouldn't go up until Dec 20 or so. But the last time I had one the cats pulled it down twice so I just don't bother.

Are you happy?

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:13 PM

Ranchemp. (1,991 posts)

49. I answered no,

because mine isn't a holiday tree, it's a Christmas Tree.

Reply to this post

Response to Ranchemp. (Reply #49)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:36 PM

LanternWaste (37,748 posts)

60. Six of one, half a dozen of the other...

Six of one, half a dozen of the other...

Reply to this post

Response to LanternWaste (Reply #60)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:44 PM

Ranchemp. (1,991 posts)

65. Agree.

I have no problem with people calling it a Holiday Tree if that's what they want, to each his own.

Reply to this post

Response to Ranchemp. (Reply #49)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 03:32 PM

ieoeja (9,748 posts)

117. Sorry that you have to work Christmas.

I've worked on Christmas before. Kinda sucks when you don't get it as a holiday. But the world does not just pause to let us all enjoy it.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:14 PM

B2G (9,766 posts)

50. No, but we have a Christmas tree...

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:15 PM

Vashta Nerada (3,922 posts)

51. Yes.

We have a holiday tree. We also celebrate the "christian" holiday like every other christian: we want to receive stuff and complain when we don't get what we want.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:16 PM

Arugula Latte (50,566 posts)

53. Yes. Our atheist family has a tree honoring the Reason for the Season -- the solstice.

I put a bird at the top to pay homage to nature and the roots of Xmas -- paganism. There are a lot of animal ornaments, some sun ornaments and also some Xmassy ornaments I've been given, the kids have made, from my childhood (which was also in a secular, non-religious family). I enjoy the getting and the decorating of the tree.

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Response to Arugula Latte (Reply #53)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:41 PM

JNelson6563 (28,147 posts)

63. Same here.

I have my kids here this year (they are college aged) and so it will be fun. I work for a local grocery chain and they are getting some smaller trees that are still living, planted in pots. I think we may get one of those this year. Love the smell!

We aren't Christians but I love the promise of the light to come. Our winters in the north are long and cold and DARK! Some greenery and lights for a couple of weeks will only do us good. And we'll wrap it all up with a great time spent together. I know they'll be off into the world soon enough so I cherish such times that I have with them!

Julie

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Response to JNelson6563 (Reply #63)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:46 PM

Arugula Latte (50,566 posts)

69. Yes indeed.

We're in the Northwest where you get months on end of mostly gray skies so any light is cheering. And my kids are teens and I'm very aware of the swift passage of their childhoods, too. The tree thing is something we all do together, so it's special.

Reply to this post

Response to Arugula Latte (Reply #69)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:54 PM

JNelson6563 (28,147 posts)

71. Very nice.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:20 PM

Skidmore (37,364 posts)

57. We only put one up on the years that the

kids come home with their little ones. This year is their year with the inlaws.

The last time we had one up, I went from the six foot version to a table top sized.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:22 PM

LittleBlue (10,362 posts)

58. I do

Only a fake one, can't have my place burned down. Christmas is my wife's favorite holiday because it doesn't involve anything patriotic, she doesn't feel left out.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:22 PM

tularetom (23,664 posts)

59. Actually two of them

One on the front porch and one in the living room.

I guess they truly are "holiday" trees, they go up the day after Thanksgiving and come down on New Year's Day.

So far I have managed to resist the request for inflatable snowmen on the lawn, reindeer on the roof, etc., and I no longer hang lights from the 2nd story eaves, but the outside tree is well illuminated and I run a string of lights around the porch roof.

I'm not sure how much of this I would do if it were solely up to me but it isn't.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:36 PM

demwing (16,916 posts)

61. We have a Christmas tree

it will go up next week, and probably stay up till May or so before I get around to the take down...

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:39 PM

alc (1,151 posts)

62. abolutely

We're atheists and have a Christmas Tree. We call it a "Christmas Tree". We also have lights, presents, etc.

We celebrate the time of year and call that time of year "Christmas" rather than something else (xmas, yule, whatever). We're happy if other people attach a Christian aspect to it but we don't. We attend Hanukkah and Christian events with friends and family (including Catholic services with my mother sometimes and lighting candles with Jewish neighbors) as well as many of events (school, office, neighborhood) where you wouldn't know there is any religious aspect to the time of year (other than seeing menorahs and nativity scenes - sometimes on the same table).

We're happy that friends and family share their religious celebrations with us and that we can collectively celebrate the time of year where kindness, charity, and joy are everyone's focus (except the kids who are focused on gifts).

It's a good time to talk with the kids about respecting other religions and about making your own choices and being proud of them without disrespecting anyone else's choice (they have been worried about telling people they aren't Christian sometimes)

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:43 PM

LWolf (46,179 posts)

64. Do you mean right now, or ever?

What family?

I don't have trees anymore. I passed on all the family ornaments to my son and his son. They always have a tree. My mom sometimes has a tree. My other son sometimes has a tree. Nobody has a tree today.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:45 PM

csziggy (33,524 posts)

67. If we get a tree, it gets planted

My husband does not believe in killing trees for Christ. We both like living trees so we plant lots of them. In the 35+ years we've owned this farm, we've planted thousands of trees, about 20 of them were "holiday" trees.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:46 PM

2naSalit (58,723 posts)

68. No

My holiday and its celebrations are not the kind that include killing trees or shopping.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:54 PM

Big Blue Marble (4,380 posts)

73. Love Christmas; love our Christmas tree.

Putting up our tree and enjoying it are a major part of our holiday celebration.
We have wonderful ornaments collected over a lifetime. Each has significance
and memories, some of loved ones gone. The lights are wonderful, bright,
and energizing at this darkest time of year. It is hard to take it down when
the festivities are over.

One does not have to be Christian to enjoy this traditional pagan holiday
in all its many glories. Many cultures have celebrated the solstice, each in their own
way through out the centuries. I am joyful to participate in such an age old
tradition. Our beautiful tree is at the center of our celebration of love and light.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:55 PM

Dreamer Tatum (10,925 posts)

74. I'm not scared to call it a Christmas tree.

And yes, we will have one.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 12:58 PM

IrishAyes (6,151 posts)

76. I say yes even though I've skipped a few times over the years due to extenuating circumstances.

The chows never bothered anything indoors or out, but the smooth-coat JRT puppy still shreds anything she can reach. So my tv's on the wall and so is the Christmas tree. I'm thinking about having the basic shape cut out of thin metal so I can paint decorations on it and store and restore it more easily.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:03 PM

bigwillq (72,790 posts)

80. Yes (nt)

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:05 PM

shanti (21,471 posts)

82. When my kids were small, I did

but I haven't had a tree for at least 20 years. Can't say I miss it either

I'm not a big Xmas person.

Xmas presents? No, I don't do that anymore, and informed my sons, of which I have four (and 2 grands) that when I retired, that's the way I'd go. They're all good with it, except for my oldest, who is as stubborn as a mule. He thinks I'm a terrible, selfish person because I don't do presents. I do, however, make exceptions for my grandchildren, I could never forget the babies.

I do like to make them something (I'm a knitter/crafter), but although I'm pretty accomplished, my sons don't really appreciate handmade items, so there's that. That saddens me....

Now, I do things for each of them randomly, when least expected. I'm on a fixed income, so it seems to work best for me.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:06 PM

aristocles (594 posts)

84. Yes, our family has a Christmas tree, even though my wife and I are both agnostics.

We both grew up in the Christian tradition and it was part of family life. We continued the tradition for our family.

Our three kids were not raised in the Christian, or any other faith tradition, just: be kind, be courteous, follow the Golden Rule (or, if you prefer, Kant's categorical imperative).

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:08 PM

nolabear (39,625 posts)

86. Not until AFTER nolabear's birthday!

It's my contribution to the season. On Dec. 6th you can have a tree. Dec. 5th is MINEMINEMINE!! LOL! It works out pretty well; the tree's still going at Christmas and we get it out soon after.

I'm a sucker for Christmas, maybe because we had some strange ones when I was s kid. For years our tree, because my mother had a 60s fascination for that kind of modernism, was a silver thing with only red balls and a color wheel. I joke that one of my enduring memories is the zzzzzzzzing! those metal branches made as we whipped them out of their sheaths each year.

I love a real tree, and every year get one new ornament and one new CD. My collections are strange and wonderful, and the family likes and fusses over them.

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:14 PM

rdking647 (5,113 posts)

91. bah humbug

Reply to this post

Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:16 PM

Scootaloo (25,699 posts)

92. There are thousands of trees all around me - why kill one and drag it indoors? n/t

And alternately, why put up a crappy aluminum-and-plastic facsimile?

Reply to this post

Response to Scootaloo (Reply #92)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 02:03 PM

Nye Bevan (25,406 posts)

106. 1. It looks beautiful and reminds me that Christmas is coming.

2. I love the smell.
3. It's a tradition. It reminds me of all the happy memories of Christmas trees of my childhood.
4. The presents go underneath it.
5. The Christmas tree farm plants a new one for every one they sell.
6. It's fully biodegradable.
7. Thy candles shine so brightly! From base to summit, gay and bright, There's only splendor for the sight. O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Thy candles shine so brightly!

Hope this helps.

Reply to this post

Response to Nye Bevan (Reply #106)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 02:48 PM

Scootaloo (25,699 posts)

111. Well, if you like

My point is just that I can look out a window to admire trees, and they're actual, living trees, doing what trees do best.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:20 PM

Throd (7,208 posts)

95. I'm an atheist, but I refuse to call my Christmas tree a "holiday tree".

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:48 PM

Hoyt (54,770 posts)

100. Have aluminum tree with rotating light -- love the light show late at night.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 01:53 PM

appleannie1 (4,452 posts)

101. I said no but we do have a ceramic tree my M-I-L made us over 45 years ago.

All my kids and grandkids are scattered so we don't even decorate anymore.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 02:00 PM

Drunken Irishman (34,857 posts)

104. WTF is a Holiday Tree? Is that like the Festivus Pole?

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Response to Drunken Irishman (Reply #104)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 02:49 PM

Scootaloo (25,699 posts)

112. It's not time for the airing of grievances yet!

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Response to Drunken Irishman (Reply #104)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 03:44 PM

ieoeja (9,748 posts)

118. I am shocked you haven't heard of at least one Holiday Tree. The Christmas Tree, for example.

Decorating trees with lights for the winter solstice, of course, predates Christianity. But people converting to Christianity didn't have to throw away all other traditions. Quite often those old traditions fit in so well with Christianity that they merged their new religion with the old tradition.

The Solstice Tree was celebrating the moment when the day stops shortening and begins lengthening instead. As dark is associate with "evil" and light with "good", this moment was observed as a turning from evil to good. Since Christians believe that Jesus' birth introduced a great good into the world, the Church decided the Winter Solstice would be a good time to celebrate his birth. The Solstice Tree then became the Christmas Tree for many people.

For other people, of course, it remained the Solstice Tree.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 02:04 PM

Amaya (4,560 posts)

107. A Holiday tree?

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Response to Amaya (Reply #107)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 02:53 PM

Nye Bevan (25,406 posts)

115. Kind of like Spring Spheres.

http://mynorthwest.com/11/459668/Seattle-school-renames-Easter-eggs-Spring-Spheres

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 02:04 PM

Keefer (713 posts)

108. No

I have a Christmas tree! -

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 03:46 PM

11 Bravo (23,363 posts)

119. Not yet, but we'll be putting up the Christmas tree in the next couple of weeks or so.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 04:02 PM

Hekate (76,354 posts)

121. Yes, but some years ago I got a virtual tree, a kind of lacy cone...

I think it's made of willow and vines, but it's all gold and is perfect to hang my ornaments on every year. The craft store had taller ones, but this size fits on a table in the corner of the living room.

Ah, memories. We've got grandkids now (as I will tell anyone who listens) but when my daughter was a toddler and we also had a puppy (gah!) I actually set up the tree inside the playpen to keep it and the young critters safe. That's when I also embarked on a long term project of having ornaments that won't shatter if dropped.

Some people can't live without the scent of pine -- I find I can live quite well without the mounds of dried needles all over.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 05:12 PM

HereSince1628 (36,063 posts)

123. Hmmmmmmm? How to answer................Not yet!

Yes. NOT YET.

That is, imo, the most accurate answer I can provide.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 05:30 PM

ForgoTheConsequence (4,725 posts)

126. This about sums up my life around the holidays.

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Response to ForgoTheConsequence (Reply #126)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 05:51 PM

Chellee (1,809 posts)

130. Aww... it gets better.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 05:48 PM

Go Vols (5,902 posts)

129. My Halloween tree is still up

need to get the Thanksgiving tree up this weekend.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 06:19 PM

Freddie (8,110 posts)

132. Yes I'm Christian and celebrate the holiday

And DH is somewhat obsessive with finding the perfect tree. We will drive miles to all the cut-your-own farms around here to find the right one. Multi colored lights and the family collection of eclectic ornaments from "baby's first Christmas" (they're grown now) to Elvis.
But mainly I like to make a big deal of Christmas in memory of my Grandma, 21 years gone now, who made every Christmas special for all her grandkids and I'm trying to make memories for my kids and now there's a grandchild and next year there will be 2.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 06:38 PM

hack89 (38,964 posts)

135. No - we have a Christmas tree. Nt

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 06:46 PM

liberal_at_heart (12,081 posts)

136. Everyone in my house loves Christmas decorations even my two atheist children.

It's just fun and it doesn't really have any relevance to Jesus. Christmas is what you make of it. I do get aggravated with stores who put up decorations before Halloween, but around the house we still love to put up a tree and decorations. We usually wait until a couple of weeks until Christmas though. My atheist daughter is actually dating a Jewish boy right now, so she is getting to share in his family traditions as well. It should be fun and interesting for her.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 06:57 PM

Manifestor_of_Light (21,046 posts)

137. Yes, big artificial ones.

Love to put up lights. Put one out in the yard with llghts too. We're Unitarians. We enjoy decorating. The real trees give me an instant headache--so we use a big plastic one.

LEDs are getting better every year. Hubby is a real Griswold!! (Former Electrical Engineering major--he got bored and switched to nuclear physics). He knows how to put all this stuff on extension cords and not fry his ass.

Daughter is an agnostic and she celebrates too. At my age I don't need anything, so the decorating and cooking are fun for me.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 07:44 PM

ileus (15,396 posts)

139. No way pip we have a Christmas tree...

Same one we've used for 7 years now.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 08:53 PM

CFLDem (2,083 posts)

142. No, it's called a Christmas tree.

And my family isn't even religious.

'Holiday Tree' is just gutless foo-foo PC nonsense.

Unless it's like some sort of compromise tree in a multi-religious household...

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Response to CFLDem (Reply #142)

Sat Nov 23, 2013, 01:51 AM

liberal_at_heart (12,081 posts)

148. People should be able to call it whatever they want to call it, especially since

the tree has more of a Solstice history than Christmas history anyway. If you want to call it a Christmas tree, you should be able to. But someone who would rather refer to it as a Holiday tree should be able to that also.

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Response to rbrnmw (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 08:57 PM

nadinbrzezinski (154,021 posts)