The Christmas tree that never lost its spirit

There is nothing like a natural Christmas tree to enjoy during the holiday season. The look, scent and very feel are integral parts of a warm, inviting atmosphere during the most festive time of year. It has even been said that evergreens ward off witches, ghosts, evil spirits and illness which is maybe why I have kept mine for so long. The history of the Christmas tree goes back thousands of years but my story is a small urban miracle and one I thought to share. After many years with out a traditional real Christmas tree I decided in 2006 that the time had come to break this scrooge like trend. Our building strata does not allow real trees but these idle threats were of little consequence and my mind was set. On a cool mid December night we strolled down to the Westend Community Centre to select a crisp, full Douglas fir to proudly display and dress with the many ornaments we received over time. Our apartment is small at the best of times yet our first tree was a perfect match. Andrea and I decorated it with love, joy and a bottle of Little Penguin. The finished product was a sight to remember and the beginning of a tradition that will carry on for my lifetime. Christmas comes and passes so quickly every year that you almost forget some of the joys experienced during this magical time. One of the less popular aspects of the holiday season is clean up. When it comes to cleanliness I am not afraid to admit that I am a tad anal, yet I tend to be a procrastinator when it comes to odd tasks and the disposal of our 2006 Christmas tree was one of these “odd tasks”. This famed first tree still adorns our balcony to this day six months after Christmas. She has yet to loose her Christmas spirit as every morning I look out, a warm glow emanates from our beloved tree. If I had planted her in my worm compost which lay feet from her base, I am sure she would have sprouted roots and lived to see another Christmas. As summer pushes forward and warms our sole and surroundings our tree struggles to survive. Dry needles fall from her withered branches and if you dare to touch her they would all drop like match sticks. Yet through adversity she pushes to keep the Christmas spirit alive and strong. Rock Doves are often sighted perched on her branch overlooking the crowds on Robson Street. Their purrs can briefly be heard when I return from work but once aware of my presence they swiftly vacate the premises. A while back, I noticed a Dove with a soft chestnut plumage had collected dry needles and other local foliage in a circular shape at the base of the tree. To my amazement the Dove was making a nest which in itself was a sight of nature seldom seen. Late Monday night after a great weekend at the cabin, I entered our apartment, looked out the patio window and a blur of chestnut disappeared out of site. I looked downward and discovered a soft lonely egg cuddled under our Christmas tree, sheltered from the busy metropolitan environment. Our First Christmas tree that made our holiday season so complete continues to provide small wonders that we couldn’t imagine and enjoyment to my simple life. It’s a Merry Christmas in June!