I'm pretty sure that going to a tree farm to select and then cut your tree is not a normal Italian activity. Pretty sure.
I, however, have a good friend who just makes things happen. She puts her mind to something, and then, like magic, it's real. For the second consecutive Christmas, we have such a tree.
Maddy did not like the chainsaw.
"Use your knees, not your back," advised the young guy to Mr. Duncan.
"Or, just check out my Dad. He's got it right," he continued.
As we drove home, we received lots and lots of strange looks. I think that this was a rather unusual sight. In fact, as we moved along in our whopping SUV with our fresh-cut, larger-than- life tree fastened to the top, I felt a bit like we had crossed the line to "The Ugly American" -- just maybe, just a bit.
When we arrived in Lumignano, we stopped by a bakery for a bit of bread. I knew before Mr. Duncan entered the store that at least one of the 4 Italian men staring from inside the glass window would have something to say.
The elderly Italian gentleman's concern -- You're gonna scratch up the roof of your car! (love this -- must look good -- at all times -- to include roof of car)
And there she sits -- waiting to be dressed in our lovely collection of surprises.
We have had quite a history with Christmas trees in Italy. One year we had two trees because one of them dried out so badly within a week of putting it up. Another year, while living in Naples, we bought a cut tree (from the side of the road) and they sold us a cement filled bucket with a narrow opening for the trunk of the tree. We later purchased an old-school tree stand. The next year we learned that an old school stand couldn't really handle the tree we drug home, so we tied it up with string. We've since bought a better stand. This year. . . well, it's leaning. . . a lot. We can't seem to get it straight.
I am not ready to give up on the live tree, yet.
4 comments:
Hi, Dana! Have you all considered having a living (not just live) tree for Christmas? What I mean is having a potted tree that has not been cut. It's an idea a friend of mine introduced to me that takes away the slanted tree and the dried out tree concept. Also, if you have the room it could remain potted and pruned for each year. It's just an idea I thought I'd mention. :-) I'm loving reading your blog and getting the updates on you all!
Merry Christmas!
Michelle Gore
If I recall, we've done that as well. There was a problem -- can't remember it, but a problem. I think that the tree was on it's way to death when we bought it, so it didn't last too long with us.
About the after-life of our tree -- it will be given to a neighbor who relies exclusively on wood to heat his home and water.
Good to hear from you.
You must never, ever, ever give up the tree. It makes Christmas Christmas!
Oh, no, a tree on it's way to death cannot be a good experience for your Christmas! I'm glad to hear your tree will have a good use when you are finished with it. Most people hear me mention the living tree idea and they think I am doing it for environmental reasons (which I'm all for) but, no.... mine are much more selfish reasons. The non dying part and non-slanted part are reasons enough for me. :-D I actually oddly think less of environmental reasons for usese and treatments of plants in Europe than I do in the states... now, I wonder why that is. Hmmm...
Have a great rest of the week.
Michelle Gore
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