Pressing matters

With X-mas just around the corner there is an ongoing lively debate on the radio about the question what tree to choose, a real tree or a fake one. And although I fully understand that the answer to this question can mean the difference between life and death for some of us, I had never imagined that it would be such a big deal in Canada. Let's face it, over here all it takes to get a real X-mas tree is the cover of darkness, an abundance of trees to choose from and a saw. Darkness is more or less guaranteed at this time of the year. Dusk falls at about 4.30 pm which leaves plenty of time to go 'tree hunting'. I can assure you that there are a lot of 'free range' X-mas trees around in the Fraser Valley. As far as the saw is concerned, it is advised to use a handsaw. Chainsaws make a lot of noise. You do not want that. It may not only alarm the Police but also wake up the odd bear that just has gone into hibernation and most likely will be a bit cranky when woken up. Even the size of tree is a no-brainer as it is determined by the size of vehicle you take into the woods. It should neither be too big nor too small. The tree that is.

Too small...

Too big...

Case closed I would say. Lets move on to more pressing matters, like what to have for X-mas dinner. How difficult can it be?  

Well, judging by the discussion on 'Jack FM', the local radio station, it is quite difficult. Kiah and Tara Jean have a hard time reaching an agreement. And it does not get any better when the producer 'Big Ginger', presumably named after his 'tomato-blond' locks, steps in. The great divide appears to exist between 'convenience or cosiness'. The supermarkets are not very helpful either. Before entering the door you have to make your way through a forest of real trees, luring you into buying them. Inside is not a safe haven either as fake trees are awaiting you, in all shapes and sizes.  

What to do? May I suggest to go for 'convenience' and get a 'ready-to-plug-in' tree at a convenience store? There are a few advantages to this strategy. You do not have to go through the hassle of having to put up a tree and water its feet, as you would encounter when going for the 'real tree option'. No need to go into the woods either. Nope. Just open the box at the bottom and pull out the tree. Then, optionally, bend the branches back in shape and insert the plug into the wall-socket. 'Voila' as my friends in Quebec would say. Done and dusted. Putting the tree back in the box after X-mas, to be stored in the attic for next year, is self explanatory. Opening the box at the top and putting the tree in that way is a lot easier than trying to squeeze it in via the bottom of the box with the branches sticking out, obviously.

What would I do? I for one am not that keen on fake trees, how convenient they may be. Life is already filled with enough brummagem. It does not help that the awkward experience of walking around with my socks filled with needles from a real X-mas tree is still vividly stuck in my mind either. I therefore choose not to have a X-mas tree at all. Inside that is. I have already got one in the back yard, that sprinkled with freshly fallen snowflakes looks very X-massy to me. 

Does it have to stop me from going into the woods? Not at all. The roof of a car can also be put to use to transport what is going to be X-mas dinner. Pressing matters, remember...