Yes, today is Ash Wednesday. And yes, I just asked you if you "got your tree up yet?"
Yeah. I know. "What tree?" Now what is she talking about?
Well... I mean the "Ash Wednesday Tree." Think about it. The tree that just about everyone knows about... is the Christmas Tree. And oh, this year... I saw some really fine Christmas trees. So nicely decorated. Lights. Ornaments. Those lil icicles. Fun memento ornaments from Christmases past. Yes, some of them were sooo pretty.
But what about other "holidays?" I mean... is it fair to put up a Christmas Tree... and then forget other days?
Why NOT have trees for other occasions? Like a GroundHog Day Tree. Now... doesn't that sound like the perfect way to celebrate GroundHog Day?
Or... did you get your President's Day tree up? Prolly not. Just think. Lots of cute lil "presidential ornaments, and maybe here and there some ornaments in the shape of President Washington's wooden teeth?
(I must admit... I forgot to get mine up as well.) My Bad!
Now... this year, as far as Ash Wednesday is concerned... this presents a problem. I mean... today is Ash Wednesday, but at midnight tonight, Ash Wednesday is over, and Valentine's Day begins. What then?
Must we be there... ready and waiting as Midnight approaches... ready to scramble down the Ash Wednesday ornaments and all, and replace them with bunches of hearts, little Cupids, and other love-inspiring cutesy'ness ornaments? That sounds like a lot of work to me... but I mean... fair is fair.
Oh... that issue of fairness.
Another great day for a tree... would be Easter. Not sure when we would put that tree up. Prolly on Easter Saturday. We gotta be respectful of Good Friday and all.
But sure... this year, remember your Easter Tree. Lots of lil eggies... maybe the plastic ones with goodies inside. And of course, baby rabbits, and maybe at the very top, instead of the Christmas Angel, we could have a big, fuzzy, and festive Easter Rabbit. Oh, the thought just boggles the mind.
There are so many other occasions, and really, if you think about it... they don't just have to be on everyone's calendar.
They can be our own personal "events." Can you imagine the ornaments some of us girls might have on our "augmentation trees?" Again, it's mind-boggle time. Or, for the guys... (being fair now) perhaps a "hair transplant tree?" I mean... again... fair is fair.
I wonder. Might Hobby Lobby carry these kinds of ornaments?
My poor liberal, Progressive mind is really starting to hurt... trying to make sure I don't forget any deserving days. Yes, my lil head is on the verge of throbbing in pain. I think I need a few Advil Liqui-Gels... and then off to bed for a two hour nap.
So... how about you? Can you think of any days that you personally would feel are deserving of having their very own "Tree" put up? Please share...
~ ~ ~
Karen - don't forget the 4th of July tree. Red white and blue lights, flag ornaments, maybe even reuse some of those president day ornaments.
I actually know someone who does do a Fourth of July tree, Jim and Karen.....
Karen,
The Ash Wednesday tree can be the 4th of July Tree after the fireworks get to it. Now, where to store it in the meantime?
Jim: Great idea. But if you top the tree with a gigundo firecracker, and it goes off... there goes your tree... LOL.
Ron: What... no pictures? I hope they do it outside. Those rockets going off could really mess up the ceiling.
Dan... now that... is an original idea. Storing it for seven months might be hard. Especially since it would be totally ashes. And then... come Ash Wednesday, it would really tough to put back up. So nah... it sounded good at first... but we got problems. I think we need a Congressional Committee to solve this. Let's appoint John McCain. He can do it, I'm sure.
How about my birthday... You know with red chili's in the shapes of J's hanging all over it and of course a big J on top :) Just a suggestion..... LOL.... Karen you are such fun.
Hi Karen,
Your mind is a whirling derbish!! I'm with John.. a Birthday tree sounds fabulous!!
Karen Anne I was at a neighbors house last night that has a Valentine Tree...it was really cool. A friend of mine used to do trees for any and all occasions. She's passed on and I'm not sure her husband is still doing it. Maybe!!
John: What a great idea. How festive! But you forgot to tell us what day your Birthday is... so we can all mark it on our calendars.
And the red chili's in the shape of "J's"... of course. And, because it is YOU... they would have to be "red HOT chilis."
When my kids were little we had eggs hanging in the tree. Noticed yesterday a few people who still have Christmas balls hanging on their outside tree. Why don't you start an ad compaign...Trees they just aren't for Christmas anymore."
Dorie: Sounds good... but tell us... when is YOUR Birthday? Should be have one all-encompassing birthday and its accompanying tree, or individual ones for each of us?
I've been told that my mind is like many combinations of weirdness... which I know is perfect for living Austin. I'm sure my being a whirling dervish would fit in just fine.
One of the most well-known dancing or whirling dervishes was the Persian Sufi poet Rumi... who was indeed quite the dervish.
Ms B: Ahhh... someone else with their mind on the same track. A Valentine's Day tree. A wonderful idea. I'm sure your neighbor's tree was really cool. Too bad you don't have a picture of it.
Tell ya what. Get a few good pictures of the tree, email them to me, and I will put one of them in the post. Cool !
As far as your friend's husband is concerned... with his wife passing, it just might be too painful for him to continue with all those trees. I know that for me... the psychological pain would just be crippling.
Cindy: I like it. Trees just aren't for Christmas anymore. I love the idea of you and your kids having eggs hanging in the tree. How about a picture? Did you save any cute pictures... maybe with your lil kids in them, as well?
I don't do trees for anything other than Christmas but I do enjoy changing the chocolate in my candy jar to match the holiday - does that count? :-)
I would love a little of whatever it is you are smoking or drinking over there Miss Karen! :)
I like to decorate a little Easter Egg tree. It is really cute!
I am with the others, a Birthday Tree would be really cool :)! I like the way you think Karen Anne!
Karen Anne we have three cats and the Tree would not survive so No Tree in this household:) We use a vertical Christmas Tree will have to show you :)))
Ms Karen- I actually think it would be kind of fun to have a small table top tree that you could decorate. You could keep the tree up all year and then change the ornaments with the occasion. Like what about a Halloween tree or one to celebrate Texas Independence Day (March 2?).
Karen, I actually have a friend that changes her Christmas tree to celebrate everything from the Super Bowl to Easter depending on how long the tree lasts.
Karen Anne - I have a bin of decorating stuff for every possible holiday or day to celebrate......I need more storage!! And the time to make it all happen. It's so nice to see you......somehow our paths have crossed. Happy Valentines Day!
A Halloween tree with ghosts and goblins would be very festive and I think an Arbor Day tree would be interesting.
For some reason, your post reminds me of those big post-divorce bashes that got popular in recent years. Any time is a good time for a celebration.
Hello Karen Anne -- I have to admit that I did have(for just a sec, okay, maybe a bit longer)the same thought as Sharon Tara (#15). My addition is "a virtual tree" -- it could be for any occasion - maybe something even Joyce Kilmer might like.
The only other tree I enjoy is the one I can plant in the Spring and watch it grow beautifully over the years. You do have some creative thoughts going there, Karen Anne, hope the advil helped.
Stacey-Ann: Sure, that counts. and with your jar filled with chocolate... I am sure it is always changing because you probably have to fill it back up so often. Chocolate = Yum!
Sharon: No smoking going on here. I have never, ever smoked even a cigarette. Both my parents died from them. And, I don't drink all that much. An occasional few glasses of wine, but nothing to make me crazier than I already am.
It's just me. It's my natural goofiness... some might say my excentriticy peeking through. It's what embarrasses my daughter whenever we go out together. But yes... this is the normal me. And this stuff just "comes to me."
Sussie: I'd love to see pictures of your little Easter Egg tree. And yes, I bet it really IS cute. :)
Brenda: Well, you only have one choice, Miss Brenda. Do the Birthday Tree, and when you do... take pictures and show us all. Sometimes folks who decorate with eggs can be a tad bashful, so perhaps this will help you "come out of your shell." (so to speak... LOL)
Endre: With three cats, I can totally understand that your tree would not survive. So, tell me... just what IS a "vertical Christmas tree?" And yes, please show me. :)
Miss Kathy: Sure, a table-top tree would be great. But... no full-size tree? What fun to have a tree taller than you are, my dear.
And yes, I am all for keeping the tree up all year 'round... changing with the season and occasion. A Halloween tree would be great, and a Texas Independence Day (?)... well, I guess some might like that. Me, I wish Texas would secede... but then we'd have to find someone who would accept our dear, dear Governor Perry... and that would be no small job, trust me.
I have an entire conversational debate ready at all times about how most if not all of Texas really still belongs to Mexico, but that will have to wait until another time. Right now I have no need for unruly crowds carrying pitchforks and torches, clamoring outside my home. (LOL x 2)
Kathy: I love the spirit your friend shows. Get pictures. We want pictures... or at least I do. Seeing them would be fun.
You live in Atlanta, so at least you HAVE a football team. Us? We have Jerry Jones. <impish grin>
Ms Anna B: And a Happy Valentine's Day to you. And, of course, my best to Sheriff Joe... LOL. Perhaps you could decorate him? Ya' got any pink ornaments to hang from his ears? I hear he likes pink. (LOL x 2)
You need more storage? Well, it's time to move to a larger home. I know this awesome Realtor at a place called the Phoenix Property Shoppe. I hear she's a miracle worker.
And yes... so nice to see you again. I STILL have this very strong urge to drive to that Safeway parking lot in Tucson and just sit there and meditate, and cry for those taken from us... especially that young girl... Christina-Taylor Green. Just sit there... meditating, and occasionally crying. That would be close enough for us to make sure we could meet... at least for lunch.
Miss Mona: Ghosts and goblins. What a great idea. Does Sienna decorate? And, another great idea... an Arbor Day tree. Just think... decorating an Arbor Day tree with little trees. Kind of a mother/daughter tree'ness. I can picture it now.
Now... when you decorate your Halloween tree with "ghosts..." can you see them? I would hope so. I am guessing I know what a ghost might look like, but what does a "goblin" look like? Any ideas.
I have in fact had a 4th of July tree, an easter tree and a Halloween tree. But since the kids have moved out and it's a chore to keep the furry kids out of the tree... I've given them up.
Karen Anne, I have a friend that keeps a tree up all year and changes the ornaments for the different occasions. Her grandkids love it and look forward to seeing what it will be the next time they see it.
Good morning Karen Anne, I was happy to see that you are the featured member today on the DAily Drop email. Congratulations!!!
I did not get my tree up for Ash Wednesday but I did remember to get one up for valentines day and thanks to your timely reminder I will continue to erect trees for all special occasions. Being a Forester I think that it is important to keep trees employed and with all of the paper recycling going on, these trees may be looking for other employment, what better use than as holiday trees for holidays that were previously treeless.
But remember, please do not insult your favorite holidays by putting up a fake tree, always use a real tree!!
I'm sure glad I read your entire post. After the first sentence I was beginning to wonder!
Karen Anne, I've always been partial to Groundhog Day so I'm with you on that...I think it's the perfect holiday to have a tree up all year round! Also; Guy Fawkes day...not so much for his footnote in history, but because I like his name and most people have no idea who he is.
I have actually heard of folks that leave their tree up all year and decorate it for the different holidays. Too mush of a good thing for this girl! I'd much rathe do the golf theme for Groundhog Day! ;)
Loved your post. Actually, though I haven't seen "inside" trees for various holidays, I've seen trees decorated for halloween, Easter and other holidays in yards within various communities. Has always seemed a festive comment about the homeowners in my humble opinion - as if they truly enjoy life!
Karen, I can understand why your head hurts. I hope it feels better now. l like the concept. I like the idea of having one "multi-purpose" tree. I'm all for celebrating and decorating for whatever event of occasion strikes our fancy. And in that, we create a fancy tree!
Karen Anne,
LOL Great blog and I did see someone still had their Christmas Tree up now I do not feel so bad about not taking down the Valentine's decorations and start for Easter.
Hi Karen Anne,
In the beginning I was scratching my head. I didn't know what to expect about an Ash Wednesday Tree and then I read on and had to laugh, especially when you brought up a tree for President's Day with an ornament commemorating George Washington's wooden teeth! That's funny!
Here in my neighborhood I have several neighbors that put up Easter Trees and yes they do hang eggs off the branches outdoors. I haven't seen any go up yet; but they should be sprouting up any day now, after the weather warms up. You know how Texan's are about cold weather! As soon as I see them, I'll be thinking of you!
How about a June Bride Tree with all the veils, flowers and garters too?
You crack me up Karen Anne!
Patricia: I think a June Bride Tree would be a wonderful idea. And yes, veils, flowers, and especially garters would be most appropriate. And unfortunately, these days, even a gift certificate for a 20% discount on a future divorce attorney might also be useful.
Nice to hear from you. I have tried to call you several times... both numbers... and it always goes to voice mail. Perhaps sometime we could get together for lunch?
Take care... have a great weekend, and thanks so much for your kind words.
Karen Anne: I have Voice Retrieval Services. When I started in the business, it was mandatory and the company won't let me port out my number. Unless I get a new number and willing to start over again with a new number, I'm stuck with it. If I'm on the phone callers go right into VoiceMail otherwise I pick up immediately. I'm sorry you had trouble getting through to me. I will try to call you as soon as I can and I'm looking forward to talking to you!
I had to chuckle about the 20% discount on a future divorce attorney and let's not forget pre-nups too!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend too!
Okay, call me crazy, but I have an Easter tree. Granted it's outdoors but I still decorate it on Saturday for Easter Sunday. It's full of little plastic Easter Eggs. Some with candy, some with money. It's cute and the grandkids like it.
Suesan: You're not crazy, you're just being you. What a fun thing to do. It fits in very nicely with the spirit of this post. I like it.
Karen Anne,
I SEE TREES! LOOK WHAT I FOUND THIS WEEKEND!
Patricia: A St Patrick's Day Tree... how wonderful. The shamrock ornaments. I love all those shamrocks around the base. It couldn't be more festive.
Karen, I've thought of doing this year-round too. But my family won't give up the live tree.
Karen Anne~ thanks for the nice comment
Jon, you are very welcome. Keep up the great work. You're an "old pro" now! :)
Karen Anne, This was great, very well done onyour part. Wow the thoughts you provoked...made me think of the Divorce tree, the Wedding tree, the New Home Tree.
Thanks for a great post! :)
Father's Day Tree: A real masculine, knarly one with mini bottles of Jack Daniels hanging all over it. Flocked with wood shavings, Lights, those mini LED flashlights. The "star" a big hammer or other favorite tool. Actually, I could think of some other interesting stuff, but...
Good morning Karen -
Well no extra tree up around here but my bride has the Easter decorations out. Not over doing it but just a few things here and there. She has informed me if we celebrate Christmas how in the world can we not celebrate Easter. She also has clients going to Easter Church with us and coming over for dinner. I'll let you know if an Easter tree arrives at our place.... One never knows around here :) I just go with the flow......
Outside trees that are alive, can be whipped into a decorative state to fit the holiday, event, celebration at hand. Cool!
Over here people don't get so excited about the seasons and the holidays, but back in some parts of Canada I know they sure go all out for every event. So how about Canada Day? eh? You could put a beaver on the top!
Georgina, having a Canada Day Tree sounds like a great addition to our list, here. If memory serves me right, Canada Day is celebrated on July 1, I believe. Cool idea! And putting a beaver on the top of the tree sounds very festive.
"Nice Beaver" - The Naked Gun - YouTube
See... I told you it would be quite festive. :)
Karen Anne,
Thanks for all the comments on my blog about the Pope and cannot disagree about the Catholics leaving a mark on you! LOL I have to blame someone cuz it can't be me!
My daughters would love to just keep our tree up all year and name it something else for every holiday. I think you might be on to something here Karen.
Karen Anne,
Your blogs are great you need to blog more! Have a Happy Easter!
Just wanted to stop by this morning to wish you a Happy Easter!
Time to put up the EAster tree Karen Anne.
Karen,
Just popping back by to see what you've been writing lately. Hope you're enjoying Spring.
Judi: I must admit I have slowed down quite a bit as far as writing posts are concerned... although I still comment every day. I need aortic valve replacement surgery, and am trying to arrange that... but keep bumping into brick walls head-on.
I am here a bit late, but yea, we had our tree up and decorated. We do this every 2 or 3 years. WE start with ash wed. theme and keep adding as the season prgresses.
I always love reading your posts Karen Anne. You are a great writer and always have something to think about. I have noticed you haven't been posting as often, though I haven't been on AR as much either. I think the Easter tree is a great idea. Good compliment to the Christmas tree.-Kasey
Karen Ann,
I don't know how I missed this post, and all the comments it stirred. I don't put them in the house but my wife has a holiday buying trees to plant. :)
Awww, what a fun blog. I love your idea of putting up holiday trees for more than just Christmas. Number one, I am a real tree hugger and would love to have a green friend around all year. Number two, I love decorating so what a great excuse. I have thought about, in the past, buying a topiary style tree and leaving it up year round - changing out the ribbon, lights, and decor based on season. What about adding some colorful leaf garland in the fall?