O, Christmas tree
December 1st, 2009 by CatI saw the containers last week, the signal that Christmas is here.
Christmas trees. Loads of them. All waiting to be bought, decorated and adored. (Read more about Christmas tree arrivals in Hawai'i.)
I'm one of those people who plan their weekend around buying a tree. It's one of my favorite Christmas activities, next to baking and eating cookies.
Living on my own for the past 10 years, it's one of the few things I can do in my own place that reminds me of the holidays growing up at home. It was tradition in our family to get a tree the day after Thanksgiving — for maximum admiring time — and decorate it that weekend. Usually to Christmas music.
I've always loved looking through the box of ornaments, many of them homemade or constructed in elementary school classes. There are a couple that have molded over, which only adds to the charm (at least to me). It just brings back all those memories cutting out paper snowflakes in class or tangling up the lights with the garland and wondering if anyone would notice if I just threw everything on the tree at once.
Last year, though, I didn't get a tree, worried that 1) it wouldn't fit in my 400-square-foot studio and 2) my new puppy would destroy it. And honestly, it didn't feel like Christmas.
So this year I'm going to figure out a way to get a tree in my small space, even if I have to suspend it from the ceiling.
Got any Christmas tree memories to share?
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As tradition, today's the start of my annual Dish Gift Guide. I'll be posting my picks for Christmas gifts for everyone on your list, from the avid hiker to the fashionista.
For more gift ideas, check out fellow blogger Melissa Chang's gift guide in last week's TGIF.
SHOPPING DAYS LEFT: 24
TODAY'S GIFT IDEA: The Nook from Barnes & Noble or the Kindle from Amazon
The Nook is sold out. But you can pre-order online.
PRICE: $249 pre-order for the Nook, $259 with free shipping for the Kindle
THE GIST: Both are lightweight, functional, practical and can store more than 1,000 book titles. But the Nook was sold out before Black Friday and is now on back-order at both bookstores and online. If you order one today, expect it to arrive in early January. The Kindle, on the other hand, is available online and will arrive in time for Christmas. Most reviews pick the Nook over the Kindle, citing the Nook's color LCD touch screen and accessibility to book titles. (Check out National Public Radio's side-by-side comparison.)
THE ADDED BONUS: This is the future of books. May as well get started on it.
BEST FOR: The technophilic book-lover or anyone who lives in studio surrounded by bookshelves; it might be time to consolidate.
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Follow Cat on Twitter @thedailydish or send her an e-mail at cat@thecatdish.com.
Tags: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christmas, Christmas tree, Dish Gift Guide, e-book, e-reader, gift, hawaii, holiday, Kindle, national public radio, nook, ornaments, toth
December 1st, 2009 at 2:45 am
Not going to dispute that it is the future of reading. But, I am not gonna get rid of my books. I love too many of em too much.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:56 am
I like the look of the Nook but I guess I'm just old school. There's nothing like the printed word on paper.
My first Christmas after I moved out of my parents home I lived in a small studio with no room for a tree. I was just getting into Bonsai, the Japanese art of trees grown in a ceramic tray. Anyway, I bought one at the Bonsai nursery and put a few miniature ornaments on it. It looked perfect sitting on my sun drenched window sill.
By the way, I still have that tree....30 years later!
December 1st, 2009 at 5:01 am
I'm a hardcopy person. I'll stick with the books.
Got the tree already. Putting up Christmas ornaments gathered from various treks around the globe, which offers a chance to look back and be grateful for the journeys abroad and at home. My favorites are the two beautiful ones of the White House.
December 1st, 2009 at 5:35 am
I thought once the kids were out on their own that we would scale down on our Christmas tree but no, wife must go buy trees at least 6' feet and up. Picked one up from Walmart on Sunday and put it up last night after struggling getting that darn tree straight. The trunk was too short and thick and had to cut the lower branches for it to be stable. I could probably get by without a tree but wife loves it and I must say that it looks very nice...and love that smell.
The Kindle and Nook are very useful but there is nothing like the feel of a book in hand. BTW, your public libraries are struggling with the current budget cutbacks and need your help. They are accepting donations to help with purchasing library materials and funds for services and programs. Stop by your local library and make that tax-deductible donation.
December 1st, 2009 at 6:41 am
After seeing Sunny go after the big dogs, I'm sure Sunny can take down a Christmas tree!
We had our Christmas tree up until June and the outdoor Christmas lights were up 365 days/year. It's a lesson my dad taught me growing up...every day is Christmas when it comes to family.
December 1st, 2009 at 7:01 am
reading a blog is all I can handle. I got this skinny topiary tree for our living room and another tree downstairs for my husband. my section is dainty ..my husband section he like his tree bigger beside the fireplace and I got dainty tiny fireplace. my younger brother he decorated his tree all with ballerina slippers....I use to only put origami paper in our first tiny house since my boys would break the decor. AS my boys got older and we moved I have more money to buy decoration for my tree I pick my own so my husband got me my topiary which he eventually accepted...he often told me his mom has this such and such tree....he even got this ugly looking elf from his mom to put on my tree ....NO WAY I SAY. so now I told him my tree is mine so go with your own and he better not fetch ugly decoration from his parents. I use to not argue....well looking back 20 years I have my photo album sorted out..I BE OMG OUR HOUSE IS CRAP AND OUR DECOR IS CRAP...as you get older you see things clearly. what was I thinking decorating a tree like that! then next thing I be shredding pictures of our garbage stuff...funny...yes I be visiting other people big houses then I look omg our stuff is JUNK ..my friend has white tree .....my brother has a way of decorating.. for years I didn't really care what I put until I see what he does...WHAT I LEARN is to appreciate what I have, My husband you know he doesn't care but as I got older I got more fussy with decor..so he has hsi section I got mine. I DON'T BOTHER CLEANING THE CHRISTMAS DECOR. I just leave all year..omg lazy.
with our photo album I have Christmas photo albums for both my boys so this way they can add over the years and not get the pictures mix up with other photos..but looking back oh dear crap CHIRSTMAS THAT...do you really want to look back open the album OH CRAP shred the darn thing ..I pick only certain pcitures my oldest son said I want that mom....while they sleep I shred..you know the old camera has no delete so you are stuck with crappy photos.!
December 1st, 2009 at 7:12 am
I think if I have brand new house I be even more fussy with what I put.imagine you put up junk...as I got older you become more materialistic with decor ...I got married young so my things were kids thing but now as I got older I want to decorate the house my age..my husband is still stuck being a child hoarding his ugly stuff from his parents home so that is why I got mine he got his...we compete across the street they have blue lights and it hurts my eyes ..so I ORDERED MY HUSBAND GO GET ME BLUE LIGHT AND CLUMP IT LETS SEE IF THEY LIKE THAT ACROSS THE STREET! I LIKE HAPPY COLORS but I find the blue a bit annoying color and my husband likes blue so we compromise so long as the blue is facing across the street and not my eyes.
December 1st, 2009 at 7:23 am
Good morning Cat!
I gave in a few years ago and bought a fake tree. I thought that would never happen. I miss the smell of the tree but I don't miss the mess it makes.
December 1st, 2009 at 7:56 am
I used to buy a lot of books until I realized I could get anything I wanted for free at the library, including all the bestsellers! And I can browse their latest & upcoming selections and put my name on any right from my computer at home!
I definitely agree with hemajang and would much rather send financial support to my local library than invest in a Kindle or Nook. Besides, I read a lot and would just rather read off paper than another screen.
December 1st, 2009 at 8:10 am
I love real Christmas trees, especially that fresh pine smell. Add in some Christmas music and hot chocolate, and it's a fun reminder of those as-seen-on-TV holiday celebrations that non-islanders enjoy.
I tried the Kindle, but couldn't get used to it. Plus, it's so pricey and you still have to pay for each downloaded book. Personally, I'm a library person and don't usually buy copies of my own unless the book is a big time favorite.
December 1st, 2009 at 8:20 am
jaydee: Bonsai Christmas tree! Now there's an idea!
December 1st, 2009 at 8:20 am
@frankie - you are right!
December 1st, 2009 at 8:22 am
hemajang: I'm sure your wife appreciated the hassle. You can't beat the smell of a Christmas tree. It's instant holiday spirit!
Ron: What a great idea! Buy ornaments on vacation! I buy coffee mugs, which is totally impractical since I don't drink coffee. But ornaments — that's brilliant!
December 1st, 2009 at 8:38 am
Have used the same artificial Christmas tree for the past 10 years. The darn thing sheds more needles than a real tree nowadays.
This is probably the last year we will use it, but I'm not sure I want to go back to a real tree again.
December 1st, 2009 at 8:51 am
the only thing my boys can decorate is our yearly decoration the ginger bread house..they enjoy that and we included my son's girlfriend and she really enjoys our tradtion...we have Christmas music...peaceful time.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:04 am
when my husband goes away to different places I tell him to bring me a smal tinyl doll so I can see what the traditons of that country the way the doll is dressed...I enjoy collecting different dolls from different country...my uncle said YES HE WILL BRING YOU BACK VOODOO DOLL.... omg
December 1st, 2009 at 9:05 am
i like to watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas" right after Thanksgiving and on Christmas Eve. i like a smaller Christmas Tree.Put it on a pedestal & go the whole 9 yards in decorations. In smaller apts.i have gone with an artificial tree saving time and space.But have always had a real Christmas Wreath and gathered scrap branches =having at least the real pine scent is a must.Christmas music playing is also a must.And every year i gather and play as many versions of Little Drummer Boy that i can find.In my opinion Jimi Hendrix and Willie K have the top versions.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:09 am
yes I got lots of music collection I got all sort ..I remember back in my childhood in Philippines we have this tree that you just decorate with no leaves I had happy memories of that no fancy tree simple tree more like a twig..the whole class would decorate then you have secret santa. my grandma run a a boarding house in Philippines it was full of kids.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:26 am
I think you go through with having big huge tree and stepping on the needles then you hurt your back carrying that then you scale down next thing you leave the tree up all year.! I pick my own skinny topiary..then I just buy those scented things to remind me of Christmas...then my whole neighborhood asking my son if I am crazy I have my treee during Halloween..then my son explained my mom is lazy to clean next thing the neighbor said OH I WILL DO THE SAME THING leave my tree up..funny...my tree is in the corner of my livign room not bothering me so when I am alone during summer and I miss CHristmas I just flick the switch on CHRISTMAS all year.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:37 am
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosette99999999/4151103666/sizes/l/
December 1st, 2009 at 9:57 am
While I don't have a Kindle or Nook, one of the benefits of such a device is that there are many, many books available for download - for free. So if a person were going to give an extravagant gift like that, they could also load it up with some good stories at no extra expense!
December 1st, 2009 at 10:01 am
I was in a pre- and post-Thanksgiving funk this past week. Putting up a tree and the rest of the Christmas decorations on Sunday put me in a good mood that persists. I thought my children, especially the almost 14 year old, wouldn't care about the tree, but maybe it was that both of my children really wanted us to have a decorated tree that put the warm feeling in my heart.
The debate goes on about the environmental impact of real vs. artificial trees. I vote for a hand-me-down tree, with a plan to give it to someone else who will use it if your living arrangement changes. Yes, the PVCs that go into producing an artificial tree aren't great for the environment, but as long as the tree doesn't end up in a landfill after limited use, it isn't so bad. My tree looks OK, and it has been in use for over 25 years. I may get another 25 out of it.
December 1st, 2009 at 10:04 am
Spending THAT much on a device that only is a reader... Mmmm, I'll pass. I don't know who's buying Kindles and Nooks, but I'll bet they buy a lot of gadgets. I'd rather buy an iPhone or iPod touch and use the Kindle or B&N reader software... or other eBook readers like Stanza.
As for reading on devices, I poopooed the idea at first... then I started reading just to see if I could get used to it... and I did, very quickly. I'm sold now. I still read my hard copy books, but there's nothing like having a hundred books at the ready ANYTIME you want to read.
Seriously though, Amazon and Barnes & Noble need to lower their prices, 'cause they'll run out of people with enough expendable income to buy their devices at such bloated prices. The iDevices are a much better bargain as they do 100,000 other things (since there are that many apps at Apple's App Store!)
Mele Kalikimaka a me Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!
December 1st, 2009 at 1:00 pm
my yearly visit to my optometrist they removed all magazine or any reading materials....you never know if the person next is clean... you bring your own reading materials...you cannot wash the paper..so if I don't bring any magazine I just read people's faces
December 1st, 2009 at 1:10 pm
When he was a student at Marin College., my son sold Christmas trees at a local lot to earn extra money. He did it dressed as, and doing a spot on impersonation of the tree salesman from the movie 'Christmas Story'. Many customers insisted he do the lines; "Hell, that ain't no tree! Now this here tree's a tree!", and they'd take a picture with him.
December 1st, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Rosette: You got 'decor'?
December 1st, 2009 at 1:51 pm
@ turk fontaine: I am slowly getting rid of decor...you go to mall they have new things then I am like hmm...why did I buy the ugly things now I am stuck..oh well...so much for decor.!
December 1st, 2009 at 1:53 pm
then you go to other people's houses then you think crap I got crap decor!
December 1st, 2009 at 1:59 pm
@ turk fontaine: I hardly go out so when I see new things I AM LIKE OH LOOK AT THAT DECOR so I start to throw my husband ugly elf...! then I look every corner of my huse has junk ...try going into those new houses with fancy decor then I go home hell my stuff is crap decor.! I should have stayed home not look so I wont have notice DECOR!
December 1st, 2009 at 2:18 pm
@ turk fontaine:
then I get suckered my husband sister has to pass her crappy tree to me..OH YES I AM HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT WHICH ENVIRONMENT HER CRAP TO ME! so much for decor !
December 1st, 2009 at 2:20 pm
I@ turk fontaine: I love my TOPIARY CHIRSTMAS DECOR
December 1st, 2009 at 2:22 pm
The last tree I bought in Hawaii costed me $59.99. The last tree I bought in Seattle costed me $19.95, it was bigger, and it smelled better. This year, I found a new place that's selling trees for $13.95. Maybe next year I'll go and chop one down for free...
December 1st, 2009 at 2:25 pm
theDman: I don't know if I could do a fake tree... I like the smell too much...
December 1st, 2009 at 2:29 pm
maybe you can buy a tree that is in a pot maybe you can rent that and return it just take down your decorations so this way you don't need to cut the tree down...
December 1st, 2009 at 2:30 pm
I seen tree in a pot with soil etc etc...but as it get bigger you just return the tree ...
December 1st, 2009 at 2:30 pm
why do they have to cut it just leave it in the pot and return the tree
December 1st, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I'm telling you people, it's gonna happen: Rosette is gonna have her own five minute show on TV. If KHON wants to get out of the ratings cellar they should grab her up before HINEWSNOW does. It would serve them right for axing Diane. That was just plain WRONG!
December 1st, 2009 at 2:41 pm
For the past few years we've had the artificial or real tree debate. I like the real thing...it's the smell. Nothing like getting up in the morning to the smell of a real tree. We've had a real tree every year. This year shouldn't be different. A couple of years, because of procrastination,we almost didn't get a tree. But we were fortunate and eventually found one.
It's gotten to where we just have too many ornaments. On a 6-7 feet tree, we have room for less than half of the ornaments.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Our solution... fake tree every year, but "fresh" garland and wreaths in the house for the smell factor. Win-win-->no needles clean up from the tree, yet you still have the smell of pine from the easy to clean after garland and wreaths.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:45 pm
@Cat,
Yeah, no smell for an artificial, but you could always buy a couple of wreaths and then get to spread them around the apartment.
December 1st, 2009 at 4:04 pm
.....they have Christmas in a bottle now. It's a spray. No deposit, No return.
December 1st, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Merry Christmas Rosette!
December 1st, 2009 at 6:28 pm
@ Manoa Mist: Merry Chritmas to you too.
December 1st, 2009 at 8:44 pm
A memory - I think the restaurant was Orson's at the Ward Warehouse on the second floor from many years ago. The place had high ceilings so the restaurant hung trees upside down in the high space above the tables. Was so different and so attractive. This must have been 25 years ago.
December 1st, 2009 at 11:35 pm
I've been using artificial trees for years because we usually leave for the holidays. This year because of the cats breaking ornaments last year I'm not putting up the big one, purchaxed a nice 4' tree with lights for the end table. (Ace hardware, 39.99 on sale for 19.99). Even my hound dog's tail shouldn't hit this one.
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:42 am
I have a decorated Xmas tree in my house every year. I do it for myself. It is a great feeling lying on the couch watching the colored lights and listening to Xmas music. It puts you in the Xmas mood. For me, Xmas would not be Xmas without a tree. My friend from Washington D.C. sends me a White House ornament every year and I put them on the tree.
Hey Jaydee, I am into bonsai too. Do you know what bonsai is supposed to do? When you look at a miniature tree, it supposed to take you to that quiet place where you can enjoy the serenity and peace of nature's surroundings. In a similar manner, that is what the decorated Xmas tree and Xmas music do to me. It takes me back to my younger years and feelings I had. They all come back Xmas time.
December 13th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
I've had my Kindle for about three weeks now and I absolutely love it. It took me a few days to get used to the screen flash for the page turn, but I don't even notice it now. Downloading books is incredibly easy and I find that I'm reading far more than I was before I owned the device. I've downloaded several from Project Gutenberg as well as from Amazon itself. Books I never would have thought to read before are now on my Kindle.
I even took it to the emergency room a few days ago and it saved me. I was in the waiting room for almost an hour, and waited another 3 once I was in a room. I wasn't sick - I was bit by a potentially rabid cat - so I would have been extremely bored without it. I didn't have time to search my bookshelf for a book before leaving for the ER, so I just grabbed my kindle and had almost 100 books to choose from.
This thing is amazing, and I'm so happy I bought it.
December 19th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/christmas/3698123/Rent-a-Christmas-tree-service-introduced-as-tree-prices-soar.html
December 19th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
finally this guy is doing the rent a tree....