Christmas in July
is a marketers’ dream come true. Get the public to think about cold weather; the idea is to arouse the Christmas spirit despite scalding temperatures.
I love to remember the Johnson’s first Christmas 20 years ago . As we left to go to LT’s little brother’s Christmas tree lot , we each had a different image of the Christmas tree we would be bringing home. LT had visions of a majestic, perfectly balanced tree to adorn our apartment. I, on the other hand, had images of a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
When we arrived at the lot, B eagerly showed us the beautiful tree he had put aside for his big brother. I stood with a big pout on my face shaking my head. I told B I wanted the tree no one else wanted:the Charlie Brown Christmas tree..
The Christmas tree he had, no doubt, tossed out back to use as firewood. This was B’s first encounter with his big brother’s high maintenance, southern, blonde girlfriend. To say he was confused is a huge understatement: flabbergasted may be closer to an explanation. Looking to LT for guidance, B sees his big brother nod, indicating get her whatever she wants.
I smile. B leaves for a few minutes. We look up. B is carrying my first Charlie Brown Christmas tree: a tree with 1/2 of the side smooshed and the top jutting out at a 45 degree angle. I scream, “It’s perfect!” I run up and give B a big hug. He smiles, LT nods again.
This began the Johnson family tradition. We did switch to an artificial tree a few years back (but, again, I made LT get the tree no one else wanted: one missing a big chunk).
How have the Johnson’s decorated their Charlie Brown Christmas tree over the years? Every year Charlie’s ornaments change. Yes, you read that correctly. After many weeks of thought, I decide on Charlie’s theme. I make over 100 of the central ornament (e.g. the ornament pulling the theme) . Pictured below is the central ornament of 2009, an angel. Charlie 2009 also had 80 candy canes and 80 signs with holiday words hanging in his branches.
July is my self-designated month to begin thinking about the theme of Charlie. Some years are easier than others. Last year the idea fell into place without a problem. The tree was gorgeous and I had all the ornaments completed by Thanksgiving.
Of course all prototypes must be approved by LT. I know I have hit a snag when I take a completed central ornament in for him to see, and he calmly asks, “What is it?” I share with you no ornament has made it to the final Charlie if LT has asked what it is.
I have a few ideas, but still haven’t settled on one. In the past few years, we have had gingerbread men, penquins and snowman, just to name a few. Remember this goes back 20 years!
One of the side benefits of planning early is thinking about cold things when the heat index here in South Carolina is 110 degrees.
I think I will go get a diet coke.
Note: This post proved necessary to provide the groundwork for my journey to Charlie 2010. I cannot imagine not including my readers in the trip. We will have many laughs and stories along the way. This post also serves as reference for readers who join us in months ahead. You are telling your friends about us, right? http://savortheride.com wink
Ridgely,
Wow, I am glad you wrote this post. It is something I have experience with…I know nothing about Larry the Cable Guy or Hugh MacLeod.
So, let me say this about your Charlie Brown Christmas Tree tradition: As a young girl, I remember my mother bringing home the tree we could afford and often it resembled Charlie Brown’s tree. The pine needles would be falling off the tree as soon as my father brought it into the house. One year one of my sisters and I decided to save up from our babysitting money and buy a perfect tree. We took hours decorating it, I still have a photo of that “perfect tree!” Anyway, as years went by my mother started buying small real trees in a pot. Then after the holiday she would have my dad plant the tree somewhere on their property.
I have a question for you: When you say every year Charlie’s ornaments change, what do you do with last year’s ornaments? (Do you donate them or something?)
Also, how about a Social Media theme this year? Let’s just look at your blog: twitter birds, comment LUV, facebook, Third Tribe, etc.
Have a good weekend.
Judy
Judy- what a wonderful tradition your mother started planting the trees.
Thinking of you and your sister saving your babysitting money for your Christmas tree really touches my heart- you are such a dear, dear person.
I am frequently asked about the old ornaments. One thing that never happens- they never get thrown away- I have some friends who collect anything I make– some are just tucked away… I promise to send you one this year.
Unsure on the theme, will put the sm idea in the mix- aunt s suggested pelicans from the oil spill- must remember I am a primitive folk artist ;-)
thanks for stopping by and commenting- means so much