christmas decorations still up
christmas tree still beautiful
ready for the looney bin
reluctant to throw tree out
Please Don't Tell Me I'm the Only One~~~Christmas Decorations
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
January 18, 2008 2:25am CST
Okay I'm hoping I'm not the only nutcase here, but I have a confession to make..I STILL have my Christmas decorations up, INCLUDING MY REAL TREE...
Now normally, NORMALLY, I have my Christmas decorations all down no later than January 16th including the tree which normally by then has become a bit, well Fossilized..you know, no longer that fresh green color and frankly stiff as a board.
Well, this year is different...don't worry, I DID take my decorations off my front door, so from the outside I look normal..hehee, but if you were to step inside my apartment it's a different story.
Now some of you are familiar with how I got my tree....a Christmas tree that I call the "love tree" as it was a gift to me by no less than some conspirators right here at MyLot. Many of my friends had read of my discussion "Have You Ever Wanted Something...And"...it was all about how it looked like this would have been the very first Christmas I wouldn't have a tree for Christmas. Well I do know one of the instigators responsible for getting me my tree, but she pointed out that others were involved, pooling together funds just to get me my tree and of course it's still driving me nuts not knowing who was all involved as I'd like to thank them. It arrived via UPS on December 14, 2007...and it was a beauty...
Now I don't know...maybe there's a "magical" element here..SERIOIUSLY....but I've never EVER had a tree last so darn long...I mean I'm in no way exaggerating when I say, this tree STILL remains as fresh, bright green and alive looking as the day I got it..I can still bend the boughs that is without breaking them as they are still pliable and this is more than a month ago that I got it.
So......I'm so Reluctant to get rid of it...I've been photographing it like crazy..want to get more film, as I'm a film camera user and haven't gotten the rolls of film I've already used in photographing the tree developed yet.
So...because I still have the tree up, I'm also reluctant to put away the other decorations away as well. Like I said this has just about be a Guinness Record of the longest I've had Christmas decorations up like this. I guess I can take some consolidation...I've actually have seen old Christmas trees out in the garbage in late February in my neighborhood.
All right...hope it's not just me...but what is the longest YOU ever had Christmas decorations up??
Or...gasp..gasp...am I ready for the looney bin?
20 people like this
46 responses
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
18 Jan 08
Well, as we know, I don't do trees, but I once had the xmas lights up in the window (not lit) into the summer & when I had people coming that had never been here before, I would turn them on & tell them to look for the lights in the window! LOL
None of us got in the xmas spirit this year - too little $$, too much upset for the roomie at Thanksgiving, etc. I did set up a tree I got off of Freecycle in my client's place & since she's on the Julian calander, Epiphany isn't until this weekend. So I've promised to take it down on Monday. The people that deliver her Meals On Wheels that have seen it really like it. It came lit from the person giving it away with a round of tinsil on it. I put some pinky purple poinsettias (6) on it, some shiny white beaded ornaments (6) and then I was given another ornament by my sister who had gotten it from her roommate who had gotten it as a gift, but wasn't her cup of tea. It now hangs on my cliet's tree and is really the only one of any cost, the rest of the stuff obtained at either Family Dollar or Big Lots.
Still it looks pretty nice - maybe I'll see if I can snap a pix on my phone & get it transfered to the compter.
6 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
MMM..even I'm not THAT bad about having Christmas lights up in summer...LOL...this actually might be the last week and a half I do have my decorations up...I think a lot of it is just plain laziness too..it takes a lot of time for me to take all the decorations down..as much as it took to put them up and I'm winging it solo unless I can somehow get my two kitties to help out...no family members to help me out..and since I'm fighting off the cold from hell my energy level has been zilch lately..besides the kid in me hates to let go of Christmas... :)
7 people like this
@GardenGerty (160708)
• United States
19 Jan 08
I run a string of Christmas lights down the hall from the bedroom to the bathroom, and a short string in the bathroom. We use these nightlights so we do not wake ourselves up too much when we have to go in the middle of the night. So mine are up in summer too.
5 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
18 Jan 08
Sorry Sweetie I have to tell you that mine have been down for ages I mean if you leave the Decoration up any longer thy will be there for this year Christmas lol
Why don't you just put some decorative Lights on the Tree and use it a an everyday Light
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
Don't worry gabs...I really don't plan to have the decorations up forever..lol...a lot has to do with my own energy level lately..still have a lot of pain with my feet and ankles plus now a cold from hell...I'm hoping it doesn't turn into bronchitis again..so just taking it day by day...I don't have any family to help me out..unless my two kitties could do things for me
6 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
You take care of yourself too (((hugs)))
3 people like this
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
18 Jan 08
ny husband takes them down on new years day, unless we are having a sub zero day, or a snow storm. But truthfully,. the lights cost money to keep up., and he thinks its tacky to see all the dingy lawns, and brown grass, and mud, mixed in with lights that are hung and not taken down. in my opinion, i really dont care! So, since he cares so much, he takes them down.
5 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
I gather you're talking about outdoor lights..yes, I can see then why he likes to see the lights down then--what about indoors? Keep those decorations up longer?
2 people like this
@Angelwhispers (8978)
• United States
18 Jan 08
Absolutely certifiable my friend. First I want to say Pye that the story of how you got your tree is beautiful. It really is one of those slice of heaven made for TV movie moments of life. Extraordinary stories that we see happen sometimes and gives us faith again in the kindness of humanity.
I read your posts in my email, but I never had a chance to comment to you how wonderful it was, over the holidays. From Thanksgiving untill now my life has been totally chaotic. Not in a bad way mind you .... wait I digress here.
Anyway who gives a rats A$$ what other people think. Its Your Tree! Heck leave it up till next Christmas. Enjoy it as long as you want to. Its a remarkable gift.
6 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
Yes I have noticed you've been a bit missing from here and did wonder what happen to you, and yes how I got my tree was like a bit of heaven...and you're right..if I want to keep my tree up until next Christmas I could..by then though it might be just a tad brown...LOL
2 people like this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
18 Jan 08
Certainly not my friend....Unless I go to the Looney bin with you!! LOL
All of my decorations are still up in here also (No, this is not normal for me either! I always take them down before my birthday on January fifth but that did not happen this year! I've had so little time!! Too much work I guess! :)
~Heavens~
5 people like this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
19 Jan 08
Thanks so much for your Birthday wishes my friend! :)
HUGS
~Heavens~
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
Good so let's go to the looney bin together...and by the way..a bit belated but Happy Birthday! :)
3 people like this
@Armstrong7886 (303)
• United States
18 Jan 08
It took me a while to take the lights and wreath down but I still have my tree up. I have moved it into a different room but I didn't feel like fooling with taking it down. It is one of those artificial trees with all the different limbs and it was such a pain to put together that I haven't decided if I want to take it down or just leave it together so that it will be ready to go next year, ha ha.
5 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
Mmmm...maybe since your tree was such a nuisance to put together maybe you should keep it up..hey..be inventive, maybe when the time comes you could somehow decorate it as an "Easter" tree..LOL
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
Hey a Valentine's tree...now that would be a great idea..LOL
2 people like this
@Armstrong7886 (303)
• United States
18 Jan 08
Ha ha! You know it is funny said that because I was talking about it a couple weeks ago that I was just going to leave it up and decorate it for every single holiday...I'll set the newest trend, A Valentines Day Tree? LOL
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160708)
• United States
18 Jan 08
I have a collection of star ornaments that I leave up until I darn well feel like taking them down. Early in my current marriage I learned of a custom of the people where my husband's family originated of hanging stars from a rack to celebrate the stars in the sky at the birth of Christ. It sounded neat, and homey, and I tried several versions until I found what works for me. I buy at least one new star a year, my kids get me stars, make stars and so they mean a lot to me, and they hang from a 1x2 piece of lumber with brass tacks about every inch. If I get tired of them, I will take them down. Meanwhile they are above a wide doorway in my house. I bought a good size Norfolk Pine for a Christmas tree, and I have it potted. It has a little glitter on it, and hopefully I do not kill it when I put it out.
5 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
That star idea sounds like a wonderful tradition, I've never heard of it before-you might just have given me an idea for next Christmas :) Where is your husband's family from that they have this kind of tradition?
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160708)
• United States
19 Jan 08
That is my version of a custom from Finland. The book I have said that they hung a frame and covered it with straw or hay to also give the impression of a stable.
3 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
19 Jan 08
If it is still in good shape, keep it up. Look at it as a Christmas miracle.
We just took ours down on Wednesday. MY husband had surgery on Thursday. IT is a 9 ft tree and I knew, if we did not get it down and up in hte attic on Wednesday, it would be at least another month and it is just too big.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Jan 08
Yes, I do it as a Christmas miracle. How was your husbands surgery? Did it go okay?
2 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
20 Jan 08
My husband is doing fine, thanks. He is enjoying the pain killers he got, he drifts in and out and wakes up long enough to eat --- then back to la-la land. He is using a cane to get around and I expect by the middle of next week he will be almost back to his normal self.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
Glad to find out I'm not the only one that has decorations up--thought it was just me :)
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Jan 08
Thank you...yes I do have good memories of this past Christmas--I guess I'm not that bad though..I've actually seen old Christmas trees thrown out as late as March--uh,no don't plan to keep mine up that long..LOL
1 person likes this
@whyaskq (7523)
• Singapore
19 Jan 08
You are not alone, same for your Christmas tree. The one we had in office, everything is still as it is except the lights are no longer switch on. Perhaps because we did put in effort so we want to appreciate it more and are more reluctant to dispose it off. lol.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Jan 08
I'm usually reluctant to take down the decorations and tree normally anyway...leaves the place so empty looking
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
19 Jan 08
I wouldn't worry if I were you, pyewacket, because lots of people keep their decorations up for a long time. I took mine down early because I need all of my tiny space. I was watching a TV show recently where the family kept their tree up all year long-so, I wouldn't call you nutty, lol. Maybe the tree is hanging on because it is special to you. Just enjoy it for as long as you want. There's no rush to take it down.
4 people like this
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
•
19 Jan 08
I agree, its not nutty at all. Makes perfect sense to me
blessed be
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Jan 08
I'm almost ALWAYS reluctant to take trees down in the first place..maybe since I have the kid in me the apt looks so empty once the tree is down and just plain looking..but yes, this year more than most as this tree was so special and is lasting so long
1 person likes this
@anetteh (3590)
• Sweden
18 Jan 08
Hey, you are not alone. I just have not had the time to get them put away. I do not have a real tree, however, my plastic are still up and shining. But next week when I am free of, I have to deal with it. I would feel ashame if my mother turned up unexpected and she saw it. I normally have take it down by now. But been caught with computer work, and my regularly work I just have not got the time or the will to do it.
5 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
I've been caught up with a lot of projects myself, and also been a bit sick lately with the cold from hell..LOL. That's kind of my thought though, I mean it doesn't really matter how long we have our decorations up, but if someone were to visit us would think we were a bit weird, right?
2 people like this
@anetteh (3590)
• Sweden
20 Jan 08
I know the feeling. My mother comes around no or then and if she would come here now she probably would fall to the floor. My home is really in need for a real clean up. But since I am caught up with work and computer and all the appointments I have to do...there seems no time over for it. I had to wash for some days ago, and that was a wash....I had 8 machines, I normally have 3 to 4 machines to wash up. I probably would call my self addicted to computer, but I am not, I just think I would sit here for a couple of hours to relaxing, but end up sitting here more than that. However to day I have to go to work, and there are few things needed to be done before I go. And I am caught up with the computer stuff I just had to do first.
This week I have two days of, so I have to take up on the cleaning thing and when it is done, I will make shore it will stay cleaned.
Have a great weekend.
2 people like this
@Kashmeresmycat (6369)
• United States
18 Jan 08
HaHa, keep your very magical tree up yet Pye. Who said you have to take it down?
I've had stuff up until February and then it was like, no choice, the poor tree was so stiff, haha.
I have an idea for you....how about saving one small branch to put out next year, throw it in with some holiday potpourrie (not sure how to spell that one), or if it has some pine cones, save them.
I remember once I had a really adorable soft pine Christmas tree, I think a Douglas fur. One night I kept hearing all this popping noise and couldn't figure out what it was. It was all the little tiny pine cones opening up on the tree from the warmth of the house. Before I took it down, I saved all these tiny little pine cones and put them out every year, they're adorable. Maybe you could do something like that since this is your Special Magical Tree, and a part of it will live on and on. Sound silly? I guess I am a silly person but so sentimental, lol!
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
I just hope I don't need my super to come up and fix anything...have a feeling he thinks I'm a bit batty anyway...normally..LOL
Wow that's really something about the pine cones...a special unexpected gift from mother nature, no? Nope, alas no pine cones on my tree, but I do plan to keep a few branches ..in fact, I had to cut some of the bottom ones off to fit the base of the tree into the stand and have them in a nice large crystal vase filled with water..and they are just as fresh still
Guess we're both sentimental jerks..heeehee :)
1 person likes this
@gittabest (1946)
• Iceland
19 Jan 08
Well, I always take mine down on the 5th or 6th of January,
the longest is probably the 7th or something.
But I think it's ok to have it a little longer, it so weird how everything
seems empty when you take it away.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Jan 08
That's the worse of it isn't it? All those decorations and the tree give a place an added warmth, then looks so empty and deserted looking once everything is put away
1 person likes this
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
•
19 Jan 08
nO, YOU ARE NOT ALONE, I TOO HAVE MY TREE IN THE house. For me, the celebration of the winter solstice and the suvival of spring is a month long thing . So, until 21/22 of January, my tree will stay in my home
blessed be
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Jan 08
LOL..Darkwing suggested I keep it up until Imbolic...Mmmm..now that's an idea..LOL
1 person likes this
@TerryZ (22076)
• United States
18 Jan 08
No your not ready for the loony bin.heheh I dont keep my decorations up too long. I usually get them down a week after new years. But I also have my hubby to help me. I think you were just so happy to get that tree and if you could you would leave it up forever. I wouldnt worry about it just take alittle bit down at a time. And before you know it will soon be gone!
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
I think my two kitties will miss the tree once I do get rid of it...they still love sleeping under their private little forest
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
18 Jan 08
There were times, long ago, when I was very organised and used to decorate my tree on Christmas Eve, and leave it up until twelfth night. But, since I've changed my path, it goes up for Yule... I find that a much more meaningful time to start my celebrations. I still take it down for twelfth night though, as I celebrate Christmas also, with my family whose beliefs are different. I guess it wouldn't be out of order to leave it up though, until Imbolc, as that would further strengthen the meaning of the Yule Tree, I guess. So why not do that?
You wouldn't be alone my friend... there are several people leave their Christmas Decorations up all year round. My son even said, if he had a big enough house, he would decorate a separate room, which he could close off the rest of the year, and just open up for the Christmas period, hence not having to take the decs down. lol. Personally, I think putting them up at Yule, adds to the meaning of the celebrations and welcomes the new coming light into one's house. I love all the preparations.
From previous discussions, I know that you've been suffering a bit lately. (I hope you managed to get your meds, or something else to take away the pain). My thoughts and energies are still with you my dear friend.
Hey, I just had a thought... for Imbolc. If you're thinking of planting new seeds, might it be symbolic to buy a very small pine tree, and grow it for a future Yule? :) Then, that could replace your current tree! What do you think?
Brightest Blessings, my friend. Get well soon, and enjoy your "Magickal Love Tree" whilst you can. xx
@Darkwing (21583)
•
21 Jan 08
Ok... let's go at these comments one at a time.
Firstly, I guess it was a bit remiss of me to suggest burning the whole tree. After all, most of it should go back into the Earth.. right? But, and here's another way of thinking about it... maybe just some small pieces in your cauldron, seeing as you seem to do your rituals mainly in your bedroom? The rest of the tree could be recycled into the Earth.
You mentioned the four Elements on your walls. Now, it's funny you should say that because a friend of mine is very "into" the Green Man at the moment, and he was looking for, and found, a plaque to put on his patio. Then, seemingly very coincidentally, Nemesis Now, put Green Man plaques of the four Equinoxes, out. So, I bought him a set of these, to put at each of the four aspects, Spring being for East and new beginnings, Summer for South, Autumn for West and of course, Winter for North. He was over the Moon with them! lol. I've posted a pic of them. They're all round, but one of them doesn't seem to have fitted into the pic very well. lol.
Thirdly, I would think if you could find a nursery and chat up the growers there, you would be able to find a young pine, which you could nurture as your newly sown seeds. I planted acorns at Samhain, so that I could use them in my spring celebrations, if they sprout!:) I have one miniature oak tree in the garden already, which the birds planted, and I potted, and I would like another two, so keep your fingers crossed. Maybe you can get pine cone seeds, even? If you were to do that, you'd have a rooted tree which you could put outside the rest of the year, and bring in to decorate for Yule. I have seen little ones in the garden centres that you can put on your windowsill, so I'm sure they're not too difficult to find.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Jan 08
I actually have one section of my bedroom decorated in Christmas style including a artificial tree...actually have each "direction" wall decorated to signify and represents the directions and you of course know what I mean by this...so the "north" wall, representing winter, earth signs, etc is the Christmas wall. Thanks ever for your continued prayers..still on the mend.
I don't know where now I could get a small potted pine tree.
Uh..no don't think creating a bonfire and burning the tree would be a good idea here...I'd be arrested for arson...live in an apartment building in a pretty much urban area...hehe
@dta_kitty (191)
• India
19 Jan 08
Well we got our decorations down only 3 days ago.Its not like the craze or liking which kept it long, but it was because of the laziness.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Jan 08
Yes one can be a bit lazy about putting everything away
1 person likes this
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
25 Jan 08
Ok pye..be a good girl and put this pretty white coat on. Yes, I know it's backwards but that's the way it's designed. Now I'll go call the funny ppl to come assist you to your new home in the hills.
2 people like this
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
25 Jan 08
Darn it anyways. I HATE white and been trying to get rid of all my white coats. -sighs- I wonder how well they hold a dye. I'll dye em all black, purple, and dark blue. I have quite a collection only cause every time they come to get me, I get a new coat to wear. I'm running out of hiding places as well. Maybe I'll come for a visit next time they find me. :-D
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
25 Jan 08
Ah..gosh...a white coat? Do you have another color, white just doesn't go well with my complexion...hehee
1 person likes this
