Back in
October or November… I was looking at Christmas decorations in Menards via my
scooter… and I saw the most charming
Christmas Tree I had ever seen in my entire life. It was a 3ft flocked tree
with multi-colored lights that shimmered. I instantly fell in love. The best
part was it’s price. It was $24.99. But for a limited time only… it was on sale
for $19.99. I snapped it up right away… knowing I had the perfect spot to put
it. I couldn’t wait to get home. When I did… I ripped open the box, rustling
the branches into shape and setting it up on my long dresser top. It was
beautiful. Made my day. And it was going to make the holidays sweeter. I just
adored this tree. It conjured up good thoughts and great feelings. Over the
next couple months… I would turn off the lights, light the tree and turn on the
old fashioned radio, I had in the bedroom… blasting Christmas music. It was
wonderful. I would lay there thinking about Christmas past and the ones to come
in the future. We have been through some difficult times this year and though
things haven’t improved and instead have seemingly gotten worse… this little
tree, gave me a spark of hope. It brought sheer JOY to me and I felt lucky to
be alive. I realize giving all these kudos to an inanimate object probably
sounds crazy, but the truth is… it really did make a significant difference in
my daily life. Unfortunately the feelings didn’t last. The little tree suddenly
stopped lighting. It was dead in the water. I was devastated. My hubby checked
the fuses. And checked the wires. Took
out each individual light (which was a tiresome chore) to make sure they were
making the proper connection. And further to assess if a bulb might be burned
out. They were firmly in the sockets and no burnouts. The outlet it was plugged
into was working… so the problem seemed to be coming from the tree. So what to
do? I called the store where I bought it… asking if I could return the tree and
exchange it for a new one. They said I needed a receipt… which had long since
been tossed away. So I wouldn’t be able to get credit back to replace the tree…
but I could still buy a new one, out the cash I originally paid. Well, that
sounded ok in theory, but the trouble was that particular tree was sold out.
They offered to sell me the floor model… but the truth is… those trees on
display… are on 24/7 and I was worried it too would fail. So I was left with no
3ft flocked multi-colored Christmas Tree for the upcoming holiday. It hit me
hard. I frantically searched online for another one, from any source. They were all cost prohibitive, and mostly
had clear lights. I had to accept my idyllic Christmas dream was now shattered.
In the big scheme of things I knew I needed to let it go. Things happen. But
the truth is... little things mean a lot, and this little tree meant the world to
me. Especially in light of all the problems that have been compounding my life,
health wise. So… I now have to move forward… wrapping the last gifts to be
boxed and shipped… without the same enthusiasm I had. Christmas will still come
and go. And I’ll get through the holidays one way or another. But things won’t
be the same without that little flocked tree. I’m afraid my disappointment will
overshadow the main event and make this Christmas… one I will remember for the WRONG reason. Have you ever had something ruin your holiday?
PS) We'll be driving 40 to 60 miles away today... to try to find the same liittle tree, in stock at another Menards. Wish me luck. The computer says they're there. Fingers crossed they are and I can bring one home.
11 comments:
This year I am doing the tiny foot tall tree my daughter bought for Ted's hospital room last year. With my back out, it will have to see us thru another Christmas. Glad you found a tree to bring you joy. Blessings for the best holidays. xoxo, Susie
I loved reading this post. Your sentimental feeling about the little tree is something that I can deeply identify with. I was so happy for you - especially with all the negative things you're going through.
I was really devastated, however, with the unhappy ending. What a rotten thing to happen!
My opinion is that you shouldn't let this snag ruin your holidays. Christmas is still a few weeks away, and there are other places to shop.
Please find another little Christmas tree. There must be a nice one somewhere - even if it isn't like the first one.
I know it's easier said than done, but give it a try.
By the way - I like colored lights MUCH better than the white ones.
Whoops!
I initially didn't see the P.S. on your post. Let us know if you find another tree!
I do hope you find a replacement tree. It is hard to deal with when something ruins our expectations or joy about the coming up holiday celebration. Over the recent years we have downsized a lot and rarely decorate. Just glad to make a special meal and enjoy day with hubby.
Betty
FINGERS CROSSED!
Oh Terre, I'm so touched by your hubby's efforts -- what a guy! Yes, I totally 'get' how a seemingly inanimate object can arouse all sorts of feelings.
My initial thought? Could you share this post - exactly as you've expressed it -- with the tree's manufacturer? Perhaps, as a gesture of goodwill, they might send you a replacement.
I'm sending you a PM on Facebook with a suggestion. Our little tree last year wasn't strong enough to support real lights, so Tom found little battery-powered LED bulbs on filament. I'll include a photo. We found them at Lowe's.
Oh my, how I love to watch tree lights and listen to music I can understand why you'd be upset. Hope the store has one you can get! I've had my little prelit tree several years now and it works, but I'd be totally disappointed if it didn't.
First of all I loved reading your story - you write well - I felt everything with you. I am so sorry that has happened to you. I think your husband was TERRIFIC to try to find a way to help you fix the tree. I hope you find a new one today. If not just like it - find one and put it up. Please don't let it ruin your Christmas though - I will send up a prayer. I know you have had a hard year and this tree meant a lot... sorry. Sandie♥
What a beautifully written story with a sad ending. I did appreciate how you were able to express your feelings. I was right with you looking at the lights and listening to the Christmas music sorta fading away from troubles.
Yes, hope fully a replacement can be found.
Also as I read this, I was saying that would probably be perfect for out motor home since we left our ceramic tree back at the house in NC. So Imma look for one like you describe for us. You could be a saleslady for that tree. That was good.
Love from Florida,Sherry & jack
Why don't you buy a string of multi-colored lights and just put them around in the tree? I did that with my bigger tree and no one is the wiser.
That IS very disappointing though. xo Diana
I know how something can give joy. I have been experiencing disappointment and people act like it is my fault. I hope you find another tree at Menard's.
Oh, I hope you find the same little tree, Taryterre. It sounds like it meant so much to you. Yes, it doesn't matter if our tree is big or small, short or tall, we still have the same feeling of comfort and hope when we see our trees in our homes, and we get a warm and loving feeling just staring at it. You have been through so much this year, and finding the same little tree that you once had will be uplifting for you. I had a small one years ago, and ended up giving it to Jess. She puts her pink ornaments on there. : )
Let us know if you found one!
~Sheri
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