O Christmas Tree

[Patrick Degan]

There's a lot of debate over Christmas; it's religious significance, which form of the celebration is valid, whether or not it's become a commercial nightmare, whether or not there's enough "Christ" in Christmas or whether it's under attack by the forces of Political Correctness™ or if there can be any such thing as a Christmas special so lame that it serves as ultimate proof not only of the creative bankruptcy of the entertainment industry but also the emotional and spiritual bankruptcy of the holiday itself.

Who cares? Throw out every other religious, political, philosophical, and sociological concern attatched to this season and if you can't hook into any other icon as centre of the celebration, there is always the Christmas tree.

There is something eminently soothing about a well-decorated tree standing in the middle of the room. Particularly at night, when the living room is lit only by the Christmas lights and their myriad reflections off the glass ornaments. One can sit in front of the tree, in a silent house, and be transported by memory to the happy times of Christmases past when you were a five-year old and you're opening your first presents. Or when you and your special significant other shared a first kiss or snuggled together by the tree. When family shared at least one moment of peace and love together in the year, or when you gathered with friends to share good fellowship and to be together in an all-too fleeting moment of perfect harmony. It can evoke the memory of all those with whom you shared the best times of your life, now gone and long-gone. To sit before the tree is to invite in everything which means the most to you about the Christmas holiday and every dimension of the celebration; the transcendence of selfish concerns, of hope for better times in the middle of bleak winter, of kindness toward others and giving happiness. If nothing else, the sight of the tree, with its baubles, its greenery, and tiny flickering lights is relaxing in and of itself. Simply by being there, for your own enjoyment.

Such is the power of a Christmas tree.

Happy holidays.

[LadyTevar]

Bravo.

Whats' really nice is to make love by the light of the Xmas tree.

[Mayabird]

Lovely. I would add a warm fire in a fireplace, but that's just me being a pyro.

Though I forget who it was who was trying to make Christmas trees into a religious symbol...