Christmas trees...

Just for fun, I went into a site to look at fake Christmas trees. The cost ranged from $300.00 to $700.00 each. I mean.
You've got to be kidding.

Yikes! Ours is a small one. I think we might have paid $40 for it years ago. We thought about having a real one, but I'm glad we got the fake one - it's small enough to put on a table. A real one on the floor would be too much of a temptation for Spud.

I've had a tabletop fake Christmas tree for the last 25 years. It has ornaments signifying the giver, places where I've visited, etc.

I love it. But admittedly have forgotten to put up the tree! My family is distracted by my father dying in the hospital. I fly to Ontario to speak with him for last time. He's still alive, but fading rapidly in the hospital.

I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad, Orchid. I am holding him and you and your family in my heart-prayers.

Sorry about your Father, Orchid. Losing a parent is very difficult.

So sorry, Orchid. Holding your family in my thoughts and prayers.

We bought a couple of big fake trees about 20 years ago. They were very expensive, though I don't recall the details, and its too long ago to compare dollars then to dollars now.

But I will say that both trees are still in perfect condition, and in use. So from the fact that they last so long, those high prices do work out to be a reasonable investment. Even live trees are pricey these days, by the way... and while I actually love a live tree, they ARE just a one season investment.

Orchid, I am so sad to hear about your father. While it is never a good time to lose a family member, I am positive that losing anyone close to you at a holiday time is very difficult. Especially because every year into the future, that holiday's memories will include his dying and eventual death.

For what it's worth, I think that as a close family member dies, it can be helpful to try to remember him as he was. Try to remember the wonderful things you did together. And then try to allow him to go in peace.