How Long Do You Keep Your Tree Up?

Part 2 of Christmas Tree Vernacular Photos

Well folks, the time has come.

I hope this Substack finds you well!

The Christmas tree has done its duty – taken up space and stood here long enough to make its point.

There was nothing in the box.

We’ve had moments of childlike joy and whimsy –

It’s alive.

given plenty of side-eye –

Been there.

attempted a selfie that backfired (but at least it got the tree, kinda) –

No notes.

showed off our stylish new gifts –

Coveted Starter jackets, early 1990s.

lounged in front of the television, legs spread –

It’s casual.

and pulled it together for one demure enough for next year’s holiday card –

The clock was louder than the tree.

we reminisced about the 80s and how iconic the toys were back then –

Strawberry Shortcake, Smurfs, and Atari games, oh my!

and got to a point where we thought, if we ignore the tree, maybe it will go away on its own –

Don’t look at it.

But it didn’t. It’s still here.

Backside reads “Bill acting out—just a wild and crazy Christmas, Dec. 1978.”

So as we de-trim our trees, piece by piece –

Sweater weather.

Remember the good times –

This photo is one of dozens I found of two women who lived together for decades as roommates. They were on a bowling team in SoCal and most of the shots looked like this, even the ones without Christmas trees.

Thanks for being here, and I’ll see you all next year.