Christmas Past

Our family placed a big importance on the tree. At some point, we decided to go to a Christmas tree farm near Half Moon Bay. My aunt, uncle, grandma, and our entire family would schlep over the Coastal hills in search of a tree. The tree farm was actually quite pretty. I remember the planted trees were next to these giant eucalyptus trees with Spanish moss growing in them, like a green spider web or mold. Anyway, we would hunt down our tree and make our kill, tie the tree up and strap it to the top of the car. Sounds very traumatic for the tree.

Once we got the tree home, it was time for the decoration ceremony. Only certain albums could be played - Andy Williams or Barbra Streisand. The tree was decorated with mainly homemade ornaments, mostly made by Mom, although a few home made ornaments by the kids made it up there - most memorably a bright pink elephant that Jennifer made. It was the brightest pink you ever saw and was made out of some kind of stone and weighed over 3 lbs.
After the lights, came the garland. Seems very 70's now but red garland completed the tree. The lights blinked in some sections and were solid in others. When I was in bed, the lights reflected slightly off the white paint of the bedroom door that was slightly ajar and it was very comforting for me to see those lights blinking. I would fall asleep watching the lights and waiting for Christmas to come. I remember waking up early one Christmas and got up to go to the bathroom. In the living room the tree was blinking and tons of presents were spread around the tree, including a bike for me. I looked at the name on the bike but didn't touch anything else and went back to bed to wait for the morning.

Ahh good times. Merry Christmas!