Christbaum

Here's a shot of B's Christmas tree.

I don't know enough about trees to tell you the exact variety here, but obviously it's different than the sort we typically use in America. For one thing, it's real. For another, it's not as bushy (for lack of a better word) as what we generally have.

But probably the biggest difference is the use of real candles on the tree. Obviously one has to take appropriate safety precautions, but the effect is very warm and pleasant---and believe it or not, this many small candles can warm a room noticeably in just a short time.

Since my mom died, Christmas hasn't meant very much to me. She was the engine behind our family's Christmas celebrations, and they kind of just...vanished with her.

It's nice to get some of that good holiday feeling again. When people take the time to select a tree, bring it home, haul it up three flights of stairs, decorate it, etc. etc., it means they haven't lost what I've lost.