Damaged Christmas

We're working on the tree today; though I'm taking a break from assembling branches. Yes, it's true: we have an aritificial tree. Always have. We both grew up with one, so it just seemed like the right thing to do. For years we used a hand-me-down from my in-laws; it didn't look remotely real, but it didn't take up a lot of space, and the price was right. And once decorated, it usually looked OK. But finally, a couple years ago, I broke down and decided it was time to upgrade. So now we have a fabulous new-ish artificial tree. I wanted a pre-lit tree, but they were not to be had for my budget when I was shopping. So, this one it is. It is hung with white lights and a collection of ornaments that grows every year. There's the one that Sylvia made at school last year that the dog tried to eat (apparently uncooked pasta that is spray-painted gold is that tempting to a dog), several that we purchased in Germany, all the new baby ornaments, Our First Christmas Together (circa 1988 — eeek!), my high school tree ornaments, and many more, from art sales and craft shows and travels.

We unpacked the German Weihnachtspyramid, a hand-made wooden pyramid with wooden figurines; when the candles at the bottom are lit it rotates and is lovely. It was packed away just the way it was when I purchased it, and it had survived the move home from Germany. When I picked up the box and it rattled I knew it was a bad sign; I opened the lid and the cardboard insert was upside down. It came out in pieces — the movers apparently opened the box and repacked it WRONG. It has all come apart. It can be reglued, but I am livid — that kid had no idea what he was doing, so he re-packed something that was properly packed away, and now it is in pieces.

Such a drag ... as I said, it can be reglued. But we shouldn't have to repair it. The movers will be hearing from me this week ... and it won't be pretty.