question about pre-lit Christmas trees
Posted By: mdlfcrs on 2007-11-14
In Reply to:
Looking into a new artificial tree - mine's pretty old and falling apart. Seems like for such a huge investment a pre-lit tree might not be a good idea - how do they hold up - how many years for the lights? Read some reviews on line and different stores and said they have to be stored in climate controlled area - not hot attic or garage. Anybody know?
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What is it with cats and Christmas trees?!
They just love to be under them! Very cute! Love the big gray and white one!
Ugggg. Christmas trees in the stores already!
Isn't it just back to school right now? Went to Walmart today to get school supplies and they were no longer on clearance. What has replaced them?
Drum roll: A tiny bit of Halloween decor, a few Thanksgiving napkins and plates and
Tons of lit Christmas tress. Many aisles of decorations with lights, garland. Even the CHRISTMAS JEWELRY is out. Forget the half off on notebooks and pens, hurry and get your candy cane earrings before it's too late!!
Ahhhhhkkkk. My kids are already writing lists for Christmas. My pocket book cannot take it. My DH gave me 50 bucks to buy milk, and get all of our 9 year old girl's birthday gifts who is turning 9 in 2 weeks. So... who can think about Christmas? Anybody got any ideas on how to deal with all this stress? Would appreciate any comments on above experience. Thanks in advance!
Ohhh! CHRISTMAS trees! ha ha ... I thought
;D
Agree, not to mention those weird looking Christmas trees they have
throughout their stores. What's up with that? We had around 80 people from our church offer to bell ring in front of stores on Saturday and the Salvation Army said on that day alone they brought in more dollars than any other day since bell ringing starting this season. I was one of those bell ringers and not one single person who passed by me was discourteous and most people gave! A simple smile and MERRY CHRISTMAS means a lot to people! Target would do better by following that example.
trees
Glad you made it through the storm okay. . I have lots of trees all around my house, which I love, but when the wind gets up, it is pretty scary. . There are several that could totally destroy the house. . My brother lives in a mobile home about a half mile from me. . I couldn't get him on the phone that night - later I found out he spent about 2 hours sitting in his truck - he thought that would be safer than his trailer. . I told him the next time, come to my house, though, like I said, with all the trees, not sure how safe it is. . I really wish I had a basement. . None of my neighbors have basements either. .
treeS?
When I was a kid, there was this really rich girl in the neighborhood whose birthday was around Christmastime. So they had a Christmas tree and a Birthday tree.
I've also entertained putting up multiple trees... in my fantasy about winning the lotto ;-)
If you do have more than one tree, that is wonderful!!! You put up the tree I didn't. I'm a 'real' tree gal and just afford it this year.
It made me sad at first, but I feel a little better now knowing I won't have to take it down, etc. So your post made me happy. Taking down the tree always made me sad. I left one up until Valentine's Day once because I just liked looking at it.
Anyhow, thanks for the venue to ramble and happy new year to you :-)
climbing trees
nm
Year before last I had 2 trees up
I have a big house and don’t find that unusual for more than 1.
We take our trees down after Jan 6, Epiphany.
After 24 years of marriage, we managed to collect a lot of ornaments. One tree is only for glass ornaments, most of which I inherited from mom and grandmother. Our kids are grown, so no worry about breakage, but that tree is usually real and goes in our front room. In our family room, we have an old artificial tree. The tree was being thrown out by a friend, and so we asked for it, and he laughed and said, "Sure!" For 10 years we've been using that throw-away tree. It's pretty Charlie Brown-ish when it's naked, but we throw all the little collected things on it -- the stuff the kids made out of macaroni when they were little, ornaments we picked up here and there or were given to us as gifts. All of those ornaments will be divided up and given to our sons when they move out. One is 20 and the other is 18, so perhaps soon, at least some of those will be adorning someone else's first Christmas tree.
It is a pain to take it all down, so I'm not looking forward to Sunday. Lots of sorting and storage to be done, and then everything has to get packed away up in the attic for another year.
Too funny - there's an add above for prelit trees!
Anyhoo, I got mine at Penney's last year, first artifical one I've ever had. I love it. It's beautiful, convenient. I thought I'd miss the smell of a real tree but there are so many beautiful candles now (Yankee Candles are my fave) or tart warmers - Mistletoe, etc, that make the whole house smell soooo good!
Where in FL do iguanas live in trees? (sm)
Ok, I grew up in North Florida, never saw an iguana other than someone's pet....have been all over Florida but never knew that iguanas lived in trees there! Anyone?
Oh sadie, too bad you can't see the forest for the trees...
giving something away when you already have the same exact thing is not being a Grinch...didn't your family teach you it is better to give than to receive? Maybe it would be nice to put a smile on another child's face for a change...so sad that you are so materialistic you can't see that.
I'm taking down my trees today boy what a job it is.
//
What are people supposed to call Christmas Eve and Christmas Day now?? (nm)
x
Artificial only for us - I'm allergic to "real" trees.
.
I picked the olives off trees in Greece
and was I surprised. Tasted nothing like what I was used to. I love Milk Duds also. I think they are really good when you go to the movies along with your popcorn and cola. I hardly buy them if not at the movies, wonder why?
That is very sweet! I have never thought of giving trees before!
~
Cats declawed front only can still climb trees and
x
Any idea how to keep cats out of bird nests in trees? sm
This is the 4th day in a row I have had to pick up a dead, mauled bird (3rd baby). I am assuming cats are the cause, since neighbors and I did not have a problem until this year, when we started seeing a couple of roaming cats. My dog is no help as he is still a puppy and is afraid of the cats. 
Anyway, does anyone know humane ways to keep cats from climbing the trees? I know, you can't fight nature, but thought I would ask anyway. Thank!
Home Alone 1, A Christmas Story, Home for the Holidays, Chevy Chase's Christmas, sm
There "The Gift of the Magi," He sells his gold watch to buy her a comb for her hair and she sells her beautiful long hair to buy him a chain for his gold watch. It used to be on "Short Stories by O'Henry" but that's long gone, long ago. Good moral to the story. I can't stand "It's a Wonderful Life" -- too depressing, especially with banks closing, too intimidating right now!!!
Christmas
 We are doing Chistmas a little different this year and I don't know if I like it. We are each taking $300 and buying stuff for ourselves and boxing it up. No one knows what the others bought themselves. Then the rest of us will all pitch in $50 and buy a gift to the others. Kinda confusing if you ask me! But it will be fun! Think it might be even less expensive than usual. Happy weekend~!
christmas
I like to start the first time it turns nice and cold - which in Texas is not usually too early! But my lists are always made and ready to go!
Christmas
I agree it is dumb not to let the employs say merry Christmas or any other greeting they choose. just my two cents.
Christmas
MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!!!!
Christmas
I did mean to capitalize Christmas! Again, Merry, Merry Christmas to everyone!
Christmas
I truly want to wish every single poster a Merry Christmas.
My want list for Christmas:
I want to recognize the Christ in Christmas as well as the fun of holiday celebration and cheer through many venues.
I want to be mindful of every human being that has less than I do, for there are many. I am the most blessed person I know:
I want to be thankful that my family is all with me, intact, in communication (hahaha), not estranged, and loving/enjoying being together.
I want to be grateful that I am gainfully employed and have other options if I so choose.
I want to celebrate that I have my health intact.
I want to live respectfully toward others because I live in a country that provides protection and security for me and others, God bless and save them, are willing to make the sacrifice to provide it for me.
Most of all, I want every person who feels lost, isolated, alone, left out that you are not alone. Just know that He is mindful of you. I know - not believe, but know - that God knows exactly who I am and where I am going and He will take care of me. I want you to know that, too.
Merry Christmas to each one of you and yours ...
Busy MT'ing
This is one sad Christmas.
One relative dying, another quite ill, but hanging in there, and now we have run very low on less scary diagnoses for my dog, and we suspect she has a brain tumor. Vet school is working her up, which I appreciate, and thank goodness I have another dog so the house isn't too quiet. But this rainy weather should quit so I could at least walk my healthy dog and feel a little better, not to mention what it's doing to anybody who needs to make Christmas travel plans, or in our case, probable funeral travel plans.
Sigh.
Sad Christmas
I'm sorry you are feeling sad, I can sympathize. This is the first year in a LONG time I will be alone on Christmas morning, between having my own children with me and then my grandchildren - oops, just got reminded I won't be totally alone - I have a little kitten, and she just jumped on my back! I'm sorry your pet is ill, they can certainly be a great comfort to us - I've only had this kitten two weeks, but already very attached to her. Also, I realize none of us who are believers are ever really alone.
All I want for Christmas is
Some good dictators this morning. Gosh, told them I would give a few hours this morning but why 1 bad dictator after another? Please, just this wish??? Don’t really want that much.
all I want for Christmas is to have the day off--sm
I did not *volunteer* to work, nor was I asked to work. I was just *given* work and *expected* that it would be done. I had to rearrange my whole planned holiday events schedule to get this done. I am REALLY upset. Thanks for letting me vent. oh, I am IC, not employee.
So Sad this Christmas
Oh please, don't anyone flame me. I honestly can't take it right now. I am so depressed, I can't believe I'm depressed enough to write here. I am not a depressed person - ever. I don't know if its my age (50) or something else. My job? I don't know, but this Christmas just did me in........Every year I do the same thing - I really like giving things and am just boringly nice - a good old egg type. Laid back. Usually give stuff anonymously, so nobody knows. But at Christmas, I like to give little things. For instance, I will go up and down my street and put cards in mailboxes, signed your neighbor. I know some animal rescuers in my area, and will leave them a card, thanking them for their work, and stick little cat toys on it, if they are cat rescuers, or dog toys if dog rescuers - I just take a simple card and put cute stuff on it. No big deal, really, but something to try and be nice. I have a few elderly shut-in neighbors. I give them cards with little boxed cakes or stuff, potpourri - little things. I send cards to all my church members, my coworkers and yet....not a mention of it from anyone. I also will stick a card unsigned in a house who has really cute Christmas lights up or something, just saying how great their house looked this year, or whatever. My kids and I like picking a different house each year and doing that. But the bummer thing is - nobody cares. Nobody even smiles at me, nobody even acknowledges anything. I don't expect huge praises or calls or people stopping by, or announcements in the local paper, but a smile? I have passed some of these people on the street and they just grunt at me. They USED to be friendly, but now the attitude is just no big deal. I'm not even worthy of a small smile. My husband thinks that these people just take me for granted by now - that they just are not really nice enough to smile back. Or that I make them feel bad by being nice. I really used to enjoy doing this, but now am just so despondent about it. I have decided next year, no cards, no nothing, no reaching out to neighbors - just let them all alone. Is it me? Am I a jerk for giving out little cards and stuff? I am not bothersome. I'm really shy actually, and never impose, other than these Christmas cards, or if I know its their birthday or something. In this day and age, am I just a pain? The rest of the year, again, I give things anonymously, or practical things like dog food donations, etc. I won't stop that, but I just have given up on trying to be personable at Christmas. But I don't understand what I have done wrong... If I were a nosey neighbor type, always intruding or asking for something, I would understand. But I'm the exact opposite - never ask for anything from anyone. Is it just our times? Should I just go stick my head in a hole? 
sad Christmas
I wouldn't be surprised if you touch someone in a special way or bring a smile to someone's face out of all those people you give things to, even if you don't see that person (or animal ina shelter). When we do something kind like that, you never know how you may have affected a lonely person or needy animal and made their day a little brighter. Please don't stop being a "giver"! :)
Christmas? What's that?
Sad to say, about the only thing we really do for Christmas is I actually cook a traditional Christmas dinner. We haven't decorated the house or given gifts for years. Our son (now 20 years old) prefers money so he can buy what he wants, and my husband and I set an amount based on what our budget can handle and we each buy what we want.
Pathetic, huh?
Christmas is for everybody
Sorry I think that Christmas is for everyone. Yes the kids love it but sometimes the kids get sooooooooooooooo much that the adults are forgotten. When you give with resentment it is better not to give. I love shopping for everyone and put a lot of thought and time into it but not much money. I have two nephews and a niece that are grown and married who have children of their own that I am very close to. I buy for them because their kids get so much from Santa, grandparents, parents, etc. and I think of them as "my kids" and so I buy for them and not the little ones. I spend time with the younger ones (great nephews and nieces) doing Christmas decorations/cookies etc. And some of them are now 19 to 20 and they still remember those "special times." As for my stepdaughters, even though their Dad and I are divorced, I still remember them with something that I know that they like, special perfume, lotion, little things that they don't buy for themselves. They are now 27 and 25 and I still send them things which is more than their Dad does. Anyway, I admit it, I love to get things at Christmas if it is given with love and if someone can't buy me something, again spending time with me is nice and also appreciated. I just get tired of hearing "Christmas is for kids" as I think Christmas is for all -- and to all a good night. But I did hear some resentment in your note which is too bad.
Ahh.... since this will be my 2nd Christmas
I miss her telling me what, when, how, and why and my husband does, and so do my kids. Believe me, try to make it work - the real dilemma is once your mother is gone, you can do whatever you want! I'm not saying this to be brash, but really, I only wish one more time, I'd get that phone call saying what was going down, when, how, and what I was cooking all pretty much directed by my mother. Now, all I have is memories, and to stare a picture and wonder.................
Regarding Christmas
A letter from God to His children ...
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival, although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now having said that, let Me go on.
If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish; I actually spoke of that one in a teaching that explains who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks are. If you have forgotten that one, look at John 15:1-8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile. It could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.
7. Instead of nit-picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.
Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army, or some other charity that believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of Mine.
P.S. Don't forget: I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those you love and remember I LOVE YOU.
~ God |
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Christmas
"We plunged into the cornucopia, quivering with delight and the ecstasy of unbridled avarice."
My best one was the Christmas I
After everything was open and my brothers and I were so excited to be playing, my Mom asked me to get something from the kitchen. Of course it was dark because we'd get up so early. There it was my Barbie Dreamhouse in the kitchen! I loved that Christmas and it got lots of play...
 Fav foods are cookies, cookies, and more cookies that my sister-in-law makes. I have an aunt that makes Walnut cookies to die for! Every year she'd bring a tin, but we don't see her much at Christmas now that my parents are gone.
On a lighter note, I love seeing our kids opening their stuff! It brings back great memories! 
christmas
I like the idea of celebrating the birth of a new family when a child is born.
Christmas
I celebrate Christmas because to recognize the birth of Jesus...and I love decorating. I love to give presents, but do not really care if I receive any. Too many people have forgotten what this holiday is all about. I do not say Happy Holidays to people...I say Merry Christmas. If they don't like it, I don't really care. I'm tired of the liberals trying to take God out of everything. That's one of the reasons this country has gone to Hell and will continue to do so. This country was founded on Christian values, but most have forgotten that. A friend of mine is Jewish, so I do say Happy Channukah to her, but that's the only exception.
So, Merry Christmas everybody!
christmas
Put on some Christmas music, dance around and decorate your tree. You are not late! Make some sugar cookies, they are cheap. Donate a can of food, that is enough. Stick a bow on your head and you have got the boyfriend covered...
Merry Christmas!
It's Christmas eve....
What are you doing today to get ready for "the big day" tomorrow?
Any special activities or traditions you and yours engage in on Christmas eve?
Anyone have lots of cooking/baking in front of them today and tonight in preparation for tomorrow?
Any last minute shoppers or some with just a last-minute gift to pick up?
I'm curious...What's everyone doing today and tonight?
***MERRY CHRISTMAS, FELLOW MTs***
My Christmas........ sm
Tonight, we will have our annual Christmas tree with my mom and brother, who is still unmarried at the ripe old age of 45. I made a cheese log,2 dips, a jalapeno tuna tray thing, chocolate covered pretzels, and sugar plums for that. We stuff ourselves silly and exchange gifts.
On Christmas day, we have our Christmas dinner. This year it is ham and I am making "pink stuff" and green bean bundles to go with it and will do most of that tonight. Again, we will stuff ourselves beyond the bounds of human decency.
I'm done with my shopping, thank goodness. I went last night to finish up and the stores were absolute chaos!
Merry Christmas to all!!
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
We actually celebrated Christmas with my husband's side of the family last Saturday. This is the first year that almost everyone is going to be away (new baby coming, working, visiting out of town family). Tonight we're spending the evening with my best friends and their kids who happen to be my kids' best friends. They're like our family. Lots of food and opening some presents. Tomorrow morning the kids will open up their presents from "Santa" and then in the afternoon our friends are coming over to our house for Christmas dinner with lasagna and lots of other food and drink.
Walmart/Christmas
Okay, so Walmart has brought Christmas back. That will make some customers happy, but on another note, they've ticked a lot of customers off by doing away with layaway.
walmart/christmas
I don't think I've ever used it. I'm with you, I don't like standing in line! lol Anyway, I don't remember why they are closing it. It was in the paper here a while back. I just feel bad for those that rely on it for Christmas. One thing I thought was cool, from a friend, every time she goes to Walmart she puts $5-$20 on a gift card (same card every time)and uses that at Christmas. Unfortunately, I think I would use it up and not save it for Christmas! lol
Will work on Christmas.....
Monday is my regular day to work so I will. My regular days off just happen to be at the end of the week so no Thanksgiving work for me. IMHO you should work in another field if you expect to be a insistent about when you will or will not work. Hospitals are open 24/7, do you think docs and nurses like being away from their families on those days? When I worked in-house we rotated holidays, usually only had 1 person working on the holiday to cover STATs, etc. Woked out great. BTW, why do you say we "deserve" those days off? You sound a bit bitter, did you have a bad experience?
work on Christmas
I agree. When I worked in house, we did get holidays off but at home we do not. Honestly, I don't mind to work it, but as I posted I'm on 3rd shift.
I get bluesy mostly AFTER Christmas, cuz it's all over.
/
Christmas questions
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? - Hot Chocolate
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Mom wraps, Santa stuffs stockings.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored inside, white outside
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No
5. When do you put your decorations up? When I have time. Usually get the tree the first weekend in December.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Turkey
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Spending Christmas with my mom's parents who lived 2 hours away and then coming home and seeing my dad's parents who lived right down the street.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? My cousin informed me in elementary school and took great pleasure in crushing me. 
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? I always wanted to, but wasn't allowed, so now my kids each get to open one on Christmas Eve, and my oldest is in college and still likes to do this.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? colored lights, all the oraments I have gotten my kids over the years plus the ones they have made in school since they were little, star on the top. Probably nothing Martha Stewart would approve of - LOL.
11. Snow: Love it or Dread it? Used to love it, now dread it, but don't know why exactly.
12. Can you ice skate? Yes.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Bionic Woman doll
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being with my family and Christmas Even services at church and singing all those great hymns.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? pumpkin pie
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas eve candlelight service
17. What tops your tree? star
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Love to give and see the look on my kids' faces when they open their gifts.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? O Holy Night
20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yum
Christmas questions sm
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Egg Nog (loaded).
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrap them all.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No.
5. When do you put your decorations up? Weekend after Thanksgiving.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Baked ham.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Going sledding in Garmisch, Germany. The adults went skiing. Lived in Germany 10 years as a kid, and every Christmas was great there. Very festive place during the holiday season.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? 9 years old, my younger brother found all the gifts in the closet - I was devastated.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? No.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Leave that to my daughter and grandson.
11. Snow: Love it or Dread it? I like to look at it, but dread driving in it. We have enough here in Colorado to share with everybody.
12. Can you ice skate? I would be afraid to try it now.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My first Shaded Silver Chinchilla persian kitten. He lived to be 20 and I am now on my second one.
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Giving.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Irish Christmas pudding with hot Bird's custard.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Baking Christmas goodies, watching Home Alone, and homemade Eggnog.
17. What tops your tree? Star.
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Jingle Bell Rock
20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yum.
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