The Norfolk Island Pine that we've used as our Christmas tree for the past ten-thirteen years spent the entire summer outside on the patio. It benefited greatly from the pruning I gave it last year so we could use it in the livingroom. There was lots of lush growth. However, since it hadn't frosted until just a few days ago, it had remained outside. In the rain. And more rain. And even more rain. At the first threat of a freeze we brought it into the library where the tile floor could handle the dripping tree. The tree was swimming in its pot. It would have to sit unwatered for a month or more before I'd dare bring it into the carpetted livingroom. So, we had to think of an alternative for our Christmas tree this year. The dh wasn't too keen on buying a b&b tree since we'd have to plant it somewhere. So we broke down and bought an artificial tree. $99. Dh strung the lights on it while I took a nap on the hearth. I must have been really tired because the bricks weren't entirely comfortable but the fire was nice and warm.
The kidlet and I put the ornaments on last night. I have to say, it's the most boring Christmas tree I've ever had. It's completely mundane. Something right out of a magazine or a sales flyer. Ununique. If that's not a word, it should be. Blah.
The Norfolk Island Pine made for an ugly tree but it had life. It had character. This artificial tree looks ok. I mean it looks enough like a tree for its purpose but like nothing you'd find out in the woods. It's seven feet tall, narrow, and perfectly shaped. Nothing sticks out at an angle. There are no gaps, no brown stubs where fronds had snapped off. It's uniform.
The cats won't even approach it. It's that foreign. A big non-living something in the room.

I think I'll take our old vintage ornaments and hang them on the pine in the library just for kicks. Maybe a string of lights. I don't want the tree to think it has outlived its usefulness. The cats will enjoy it.