This is the year that we sold our fake tree, tons of lights, assorted snow men and whatever we could pass off as no longer being used. It’s “Christmas light” at the Pumphreys. Our house is now adorned with a small nativity, an18 inch fake tree, an ornament hanger that has seven of our most beautiful orbs and the tree featured in the photo.
I grew up in a home that was iconic in it Christmas warmth. Of course, living in a large Cape Cod style home where knotty pine and a fireplace framed every scene, helped. My parents had a knack for making things very special. My dad was famous for finding a less than perfect tree at the YMCA lot. He would drill holes in the trunk to fill the gaps, much like a dentist who was skilled at implants. Every year half the joy was pulling the decorations out, many of which had names. Our favorite was an angel we named Kathy Thurston because it looked just like her.
Over the next years which involved the growing and shrinking of family living at home, 20 some moves, and the reality that our kids have their own lives, while they live in four states—our home is NOT the hub of the wheel that Alexander Circle was. So for me, Christmas is more about music and a really nice Poinsettia.
So I want to celebrate my favorite joy maker. Sometime after we moved to Denver we found this featured tree in the 50% off bin at K-Mart. It was so tacky I loved it, much like my Dad’s attraction to Charley Brown Christmas trees. That tree has followed us to its fifth home. It has required some new little balls and glue but that’s it. Its rightful place on the mantel lights up the living room without lights.
In two hours I will be sitting on the front row of the Arvada West Christmas choral concert. The fine arts program at A West is something to behold. It will feature works from the ridiculous to the sublime. I will then come home with a full heart, turn on my fireplace and put on the Charlie Brown Christmas music with Vince Geraldi.
I live a good life.
Onward and Upward,
Mark
Lyfting Me Up 