My very real Christmas tree.
REAL OR FAKE? I’m talking Christmas trees here, folks.
Ever since artificial Christmas trees debuted, and I have no idea when that was, debates have ensued within families about whether the annual holiday tree should be a natural one or a fake one. (I prefer the word “fake” as that seems more accurate than the word “artificial.”)
Yes, given my word preference, you would rightly guess that I prefer a real tree.
Now I have six reasons to support my argument for choosing a natural Christmas tree over an artificial one. Those reasons are revealed in a tale that comes from my Aunt Rachel, a native Minnesotan who retired to Arkansas. I’m quite certain my aunt won’t mind my sharing of this story since she is my godmother and a preserver of family history via her memoirs.
This paragraph is lifted from her holiday letter, which arrived just days ago. She writes:
“The yearly animal story is saved for last because it is recent history. While putting up our artificial Christmas tree (stored in the basement) we were greeted by six mice. The five babies still had closed eyes and could not run, so were easy to capture. The mother tried to hide one baby in our closet, but was frightened and dropped it. Our cat, Xanadu, finally captured the mother and proudly presented it to us.”
Now, I don’t know about you, but this frightening tale of six mice is enough to rid me of any desire to ever purchase an artificial Christmas tree.
Did I mention that I really dislike, detest, abhor, can’t stand and hate mice?
© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
That would be enough reasons for me to buy a real tree every year also! Ick!! Although mine is dropping needles so bad this year, it may be bare by Christmas. But I guess then we would have a “Charlie Brown” tree.
As much as you hate mice though, you have gotten some cute ones as gifts haven’t you?
Oh, yes, last year I received the cutest plastic mouse that poops candy. It’s a mystery to me, but not to some, who sent that mouse. Would you know?
Chris Mouse is sitting on an end table in my living room. Everyone once in awhile he blurts out, “Merry Chris Mouse.” But because my hearing isn’t all that great, I think he’s saying, “Merry Christmas!”
No, I think I just recall from your blog that you had with a picture of Chris and an explanation of what he does. But then my memory isn’t a good as it should be either.
Have you received any wonderful gifts this year yet?
Yeah, I figured you wouldn’t know the identity of the mysterious giver.
I’ve always loved my artificial tree…. you’ve kinda ruined that though! 😉
I bet mice nesting in a fake tree is the exception, rather than the norm. So…, go ahead and keep that artificial tree. Maybe set a few mouse traps in the storage box just to be safe!
Thanks for stopping by Minnesota Prairie Roots.