Oh Christmas Tree

I am sure that this song which keeps on humming in my head lately starts either with the verse “Oh Christmas tree” or “Old Christmas tree.” I only know the first line of this song and not more, yet this tune soothes my mind so. When I am pressed for time or running around in my own busyness, I stop and look at our Christmas tree, and instantly I am calmed.

We have finally got our Christmas tree. We took some time – in fact weeks to decide whether we would get a fake tree or a real tree. Hubby said that for the past thirty-six years of his life, he had never got a fake tree before. That was when I knew the answer. We would not break his tradition of real, musky trees. We would get a real tree too this year. How could I be responsible for breaking tradition which has lasted for thirty-six years?

On Monday, we went to the Intratuin Garden Centre and looked at the trees. There were many Christmas trees, yet we did not find the perfect one. We did, however, while strolling down the aisles, bought Christmas lights and decorations. I was especially attracted to the array of trinkets and lights displayed. We got ourselves a huge snow-coated maple leaf decoration. It had real twigs and branches. I knew it was a decaying leaf; to put it simply; yet there was beauty in its state of being.

Later in the afternoon, we drove to the Ranzijn Garden Centre on our search for the perfect one. It was here that we found our tree. It was about five feet tall. Its many branches bellied its size. It was luscious and full of pine leaves unlike the other trees. Immediately I was struck by how it looked like a prosperous belly; just like what my husband has; above the average size.

My dear husband has a way of justifying himself for eating sweets, chocolates and cookies. “Look,” He would say. “The laughing Buddha also has a big belly. And so do I.”

Yes, dear. And so do you. This tree too. Branches arched out from the trunk with stems of prickly pine needles. It was heavy from the bottom upwards. Not a skinny, bare tree but a fertile one. And we liked it a lot.

“It’s a prosperity tree!” I said. Though we were going to celebrate Christmas, coming from a different culture, I merged the best of both worlds. For Chinese New Year, things had to be in abundance; in excess even for the new year to last the whole year.   

  

So we got this tree. The same night, hubby put it on the stand. We watered the tree so that it would stay green longer. We also sprayed some snow spray on our tree to give it a frosted look. The type of look where the snow has landed heavily on the tree. Where its leaves were; against all odds, trying to hold up the snow.

Our tree looked cold once it was frosted. The tree was covered in snow. In fact it altered the whole appearance of the living room. It actually felt cold inside. It is psychology I guess. Once it looks cold, it feels cold too.

We left our tree standing in its natural state for two days. Due to our hectic lifestyles, we did not decorate it just yet. Then came Wednesday afternoon. I had just arrived home from school at 12.30 pm. I cooked a simple lunch for ourselves and had some time to spare before my mother-in-law came.

I thought that it would be much nicer had the tree been decorated. So dear husband and I got to decorating the tree with red and gold balls of different shades along with garlands of the same colour. We topped that up with colourful lights together with little birds and butterflies.

Our new Gingerbread man hung right up on the tree, as well as our rattan bells. I just love the creativity of the trinkets. While browsing in the stores, I made a note to make my own Christmas decorations. I can be in a very creative mood but it takes me a lot of momentum to get started in the first place. When I start, I have to get it finished.

Our tree was ready in time for my mother in law’s visit. She liked the tree a lot, and so did we. Team work made the day.

Today I added glass icicles to our tree, giving it a colder look. By the way, the frosted snow has since melted! No, not really but when we put up the decorations, we shook out the snow as well. So our tree is now very green.

I hope that it would be a white Christmas this year. Yet if it does not snow, then we already have our fake snow at the bottom of the tree too. Our tree has a comforting effect on us, and I like to say it is because that we put love into it while putting up all the lovely stuff which now hung on it.   

 

I did not realise until today that we are nine days to Christmas. How fast time zooms! Not working and yet so busy – how could this be? Yet a few moments of tree-gazing is therapeutic. And then I can go on rushing again being busy.

I just searched online to see if I can find the lyrics of the song, be it “Old” or “Oh.” It turns out that it is “Oh”.  Yes, and Oh, my, how I like this song too.

 Our tree in its cosy corner.

 The maple leaf made from twigs and wood.

 Our prosperity Christmas tree.

 The Gingerbread man we found so cute now hangs on top of the tree for all to see.

 Different varients of birds perched on the peak of the tree. Rattan bells also on the tree. I like the bells because they reminded me of rattan furniture. Malaysia is full of rattan.

Part of the tree with the laughing Buddha also looking at the tree. 

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!
Thou tree most fair and lovely!
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!
Thou tree most fair and lovely!
The sight of thee at Christmastide
Spreads hope and gladness far and wide
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree
Thou tree most fair and lovely!

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message:
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message:
Thou dost proclaim the Saviour's birth
Good will to men and peace on earth
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!
You stand in verdant beauty
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!
You stand in verdant beauty
Your boughs are green in summer's glow
And do not fade in winter's snow
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!
You stand in verdant beauty

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!
How laden are your branches
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!
Your presence here enhances
Your silver star does glisten bright
Reflecting all the candlelight
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!
How laden are your branches

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety
On Christmas Day you stand so tall
Affording joy to one and all
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety.