About 4 years ago I declared our six foot artificial tree “too small”. I wanted the tree to be in the front room and the six foot tree looked very undersized in front of our big arched window. So I went on a quest to buy a larger tree. I discovered that I could buy a 7 foot tree or a 9 foot tree. I opted for the 9 foot tree because I didn’t think one additional foot would be enough. What I did not realize is that I was not adding three feet to the top of the tree. I was adding three feet to the bottom. The volume of a 9 foot tree is MUCH larger than that of a 6 foot tree. I had to buy more lights and ornaments as well. Lots more. The 9 foot tree takes more time and effort to set up too. Lots more. And lots more space to store. Every year when we pull the tree out of storage and begin to set it up I wonder “What was I thinking?! This tree is HUGE!”
Fortunately in the past 4 years my children have grown and increased in number. This means that I have my very own Christmas Minions. I direct the tree assembly process, but most of the actual work is done by the kids. It is good for them. They’re building happy memories. Fortunately they’re entranced by the novelty and are willing minions. Once the tree is assembled and the lights are on, we really enjoy having the large tree. Putting on ornaments is fun and goes quickly and then we get to enjoy the richness of it. The kids love our tree unreservedly. I’m the only one with a weary voice in the back of my head which whispers “In one month you have to take it apart and put it all away again.” I love our Christmas tree. But it is huge.
You must send your Christmas Minions on a quest for vengeance.
Or something like that.
Have you seen the Invader Zim Christmas Special, by any chance? If the answer is no, I heavily recommend it.
“Christmas Minions” – I like the sound of that. Granted, I don’t know how the kids will feel in a few years, but… 😀 At least they can trim the bottom of the tree, and the bigger kids can handle the stuff halfway up.