The Tinsel Question (Decorations & Trees in general)

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Product:	Decorations & Trees in general
Date:	27/12/01 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun, People actually make an effort

Disadvantages: Can be pricey, Surrounded by snobber

In my house there is an annual argument over whether the tree should have tinsel on it. To answer this question I think we need to look at the reason why we have Christmas decorations.

Whatever the original rationale, Christmas decorations now seem to serve the purpose of making Christmas and bit different and cheering up the place during our dark and dull winters. The spirit of Christmas has changed to be about (hopefully) being thankful for what we have and taking the time to appreciate each other, give gifts and joy and generally have some fun. I've no real problem with this change - I'm an aethist and enjoy the excuse for a party.

So, with this in mind - let's think about the decorations.

There is a lot of snobbery about this. In the town where I live we have a poorer area where bright coloured lights flash and plastic Santa's stand proud in the front yards. In the more middle class area - it's all white lights and wreaths.

The point is that whatever looks nice to you, whatever is fun - is fine. Ignore this snobbery. Ok - so Tinsel can look really tacky - but think about the world - when else do people stir from their apathy and actually do something? The fact that people make the effort is great. I do prefer white lights, ribbon bows and matt-finish tree ornaments in my house - but that's my house and that's what I think is nice. Sod all this snobbery and have fun.

The final thing I'd like to say is that the house often looks very dull after the Christmas decorations are taken down. My advice for this is during the Winter sales - go out and buy some sort of ornament or picture and put it up where the tree was or something. I find otherwise the place looks really empyty and sad and along with the January blues I always get (failed new year's resolutions, return to work, hangovers and bad weather stretching out before you) it's too much to stand. A nice little something to bright
en the place up after the Christmas decor is great.

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