ev·er·green

1: an evergreen plant ; also : conifer;   2 plural : twigs and branches of evergreen plants used for decoration;    3: something that retains its freshness, interest, or popularity

There is just something about a Christmas tree that I love. From the aluminum tree my grandparents had in the 60's, to the Charlie Brown trees my brother and I cut down in our fields, to the artificial tree my own family uses each year, the magical glow of those trees has warmed my heart each Christmas.

  (2007 December Daily Album) 

Last year I made a decision to use only one tree~ previous years we'd had at least two (I said I loved Christmas trees!). It's a choice I'm continuing with this year. And while I reserve the right to change my mind next year, so far this simpler way of celebrating Christmas is just really working for our family.

Do you have a similar evergreen love affair? Or do you dread the whole ordeal? Do you light multiple trees or only one? Are you a fresh or artificial tree connoisseur? Do you have ornaments that have been passed down from past generations, or do you collect your own? Do you color coordinate your tree, or do you prefer a touch of whimsicality?

When telling your Christmas tree story, think about:

• The rituals surrounding decorating your tree. Is there a favorite CD you play, or do you sip hot chocolate or tea? Or do you just toss on the ornaments and hope like heck they stick?
• Are your decorations hand made, store bought, or a combination of the two?
• Do you wander the field looking for "the" tree, visit a Christmas tree farm, or pull the box out of the garage? Why?
• Does everyone pitch in to help decorate, or is it strictly a solo act? Does the same person of honor put on the topper every year, or does the job fall to whoever has the longest arms?
• Do you have a favorite Christmas tree memory?
• What, if anything, makes this year's tree different from others?

Until tomorrow, glitter balls and colored lights~