The Little Christmas Tree That Could

I was out shopping the other day and I came upon a sad, lonely little Christmas tree.  I was in such a hurry, trying to get everything accomplished on my list before I had to get the kids off the bus, that I was surprised at myself for taking time to ponder this little tree.   It’s branches were so sparse and askew.  I felt badly for it.  Little tree didn’t look anything like the picture on the box that was sitting next to it.  I thought, if I don’t buy this little tree, it’ll keep getting passed up.  So I plopped it in the buggy and brought it home.

I brought little tree inside, and put it in front of the window in the den.  My husband walks in and says “Brooke, did you buy that tree in the land of misfit toys?”  Sadly, little tree did kind of look like it came from there.  Now, it really was my mission to bring life to this little tree.

Of course I had to secure the crummy stand to some wood so it wouldn’t tip over.  Then I also secured the top to the wall with some wire and a cup hook.  I cranked up some Vince Guaraldi, channeled in my mind all the Peanuts characters fussing over their tree, and got to work.

I broke out whatever I could find to fill in the gaps.  I added some much needed greenery, some pinecone garland, and a few small poinsettias.  I had some extra magnolia leaves left over from the holiday arrangement, and I had some real cotton bolls that I thought could work.  I still needed some big filler, so I broke out some hydrangea — it was all I had left in the house that I could use.

Before I knew it, little tree was coming alive.  It wasn’t looking lonely anymore.  It looks pretty, and showing off its 5 feet of goodness.  And I am proud to have little tree displayed in front of the biggest window in our house.