It’s quite a relaxing affair in the run up to Christmas in
our house. Over the last few years a lot has changed regarding how we treat the
festive season. As our lads are now all grown up, all we need to do is to buy
them their latest gadgets and they are happy. Gone are the days of festooning
the home with shiny tinsel and fairy lights. The only decoration I put up is a
resin battery operated Christmas scene that has a movement sensor in it. As
people walk past the garishly coloured device plays a variety of festive songs
at varying speeds, lights up and throws polystyrene snow all over the Victorian
street scene. It was a constant source of irritation for my mothers carers
later in her life, which amused her on a daily basis up until the middle of
January when the rather fed up carers would hide it in a cupboard. My family
are not as patient and tend to hide it away as soon as Christmas day is
finished. The batteries disappear quite a lot too but I have spares.
Most other Christmas influences don’t get into the house. I
listen to radio stations that don’t play festive songs, don’t have a television
and only watch programmes on the computer that are sent through an ‘ad blocker’
before we get them. My only decorations are the ones I see in the Rovers Return
on Coronation Street.
I don’t really have any need to go shopping in the town to
buy presents either as am hooked on online auctions (I have just bought an old
plastic towel rail in between writing this, someone might get that in their
stocking if it gets delivered on time!) It’s funny though; occasionally I will miss
the Christmassy feeling and go for a walk to catch the lights.
I do keep an eye on Christmas trees though, especially the
real ones. Most of them are coming from renewable forests and the quality is
superb. There are a few things to remember of you are buying real to keep the
needles from falling before it’s sent to be recycled.
SELECTION AND CARE OF
YOUR TREE
When you are selecting your Christmas tree always bear in
mind where you are going to place it in the house. Make sure the size suits
your home and the room you are going to put it into.
Pick one with a straight stem, even dense branches and a
fresh colour. When you bring your Christmas tree home, cut an inch or two off
the bottom of the stem and stand it outside in a bucket of water. Shake off any
loose needles before you bring it inside and stand it in a special Christmas
tree stand or in a bucket of wet sand with a water bowl to which you should add
a pint of water daily (avoiding the electrics!). Try not to let the tree dry
out, as the base will re-seal itself and stop taking in water. Water is
important as it prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and the
branches from drooping. Water also keeps the tree fragrant. Place the tree in
the coolest part of the room away from fires and radiators, as central heating
is the worst enemy of a tree.
If you have a big garden, then why not consider buying a
rooted tree in a pot. I have known people successfully re-use their trees for a
couple of years. They were planted into a bigger pot every year and it was a
good while before the trees got too big for the house. It can be a lot of work
keeping them watered in summer though.
TREE SAFETY
Make sure your tree is properly secured and positioned clear
of doorways, stairs, heaters and open fires. Keep the lights in good working
order and put the cat out!
TREE TYPES
The most popular types of Christmas tree sold, include:
Norway Spruce - the most traditional looking Christmas tree
- has a mid-green colour, a fine, delicate foliage and a distinctive
'Christmassy' scent.
Scots pine - a really fragrant native conifer with
attractive blue-green foliage and soft needles
Lodgepole pine - a cheerful green colour, tinged slightly
with yellow, and a sharp fragrance
Nordmann fir - has distinctive broad, bold green needles
with whitish underside
Just as a parting note, I also bought an ashtray from the auctions;
I think I have a problem as I don’t smoke! I should get out more.
