Have you ever chopped down your own Christmas tree? / LJWorld.com

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Asked at Checkers Food Store, 23rd and Louisiana streets on December 10, 2009

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“Yes, about 15 years ago … we went out in the woods and found a tree.”

— Jerry W. Trober, unemployed, Eudora

“Yes, we used to go all the time, but my family ganged up on me to go get a fake one … I hate it.”

— Gay Schneider, dental assistant, Lawrence

“Yes, when I was a little kid.”

— Kendall Wallace, homemaker, Lawrence

“Years ago, 20 years at least. We got an artificial one now, it’s easier.”

— Dick Rinke, retired, Lawrence

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KansasPerson 4 years, 4 months ago

Multi,

Interesting! The one in the video is not the one I have. I have one like this: http://www.kansasagritourism.org/newsltr/newsletter_12_07.htm#stand Actually that's not a good picture of it at all. I don't usually have all those extra branches at the bottom! The picture makes it look like you have to have those in there for stabilization or something. But you don't. This stand has a metal base that stands with its center suspended over a (separate) water-bucket. The interior of the center, where the tree sits, is outfitted with some sort of arrangement of spikes (gentle ones; you won't impale yourself) that help keep the tree stable while you arrange the rest of the apparatus. It's not easy to describe, but it's not hard to do. I will say, though, that unlike the video you showed, this one is not really easy for just one person, depending on the height of your tree. However, it is very easy for two people and it's miles away ahead of the old red-and-green metal stands that we used to use!

Strawberry Hill (on west 40) has a few of the Cedar Valley tree stands left. I think I also saw one on craigslist.

bearded_gnome 4 years, 4 months ago

sometimes we were successful in replanting our Christmas trees.

bearded_gnome 4 years, 4 months ago

when I was a kid, we had (still have) 5 acres, at the top you can see the monterey bay. when I was just becoming a teen, we planted dozens of various pines. come a Christmas, we'd chop one down, haul it into the house, no gas guzzling 4-wheeled conveyance involved. since we'd planted it, it was precious.

every christmas I want a real tree for the scent and the feel.
you get the smell of real Christmas tree, sweet potato pies baking, wow, now that's Christmas!

I think artificial trees were likely invented by Marx as a communist conspiracy.

aboard the WWII german U-boats, when they embarked on a mission crossing Christmas on the calendar, they'd have several small trees put aboard. at christmas eve, they'd decorate the inside of the submarine. the largest was in the controlroom and it did have lights often.

Multidisciplinary 4 years, 4 months ago

It doesn't seem to have anything inside the base other than those upper clamps. I'm curious if anyone has one of these and knows if there is something inside that can't be seen on the video, such as decreasing interior diameter or something to help restrict the trunk movement.

Otherwise, it would be something akin to a straw in a McD's lid. There would need to be another lower point of stabilization don't you think?

Sure, if the trunk base were cut perfectly flat and sat perpendicular to the cup floor that would help some, but we all know we twist and turn the tree for it to stand straight and it would be nearly impossible to do that.

I guess a person could drop a rock or two, etc. beside the tree, but that would reduce the water storage, and also compromise the container with stress points depending on the rock surface, etc.

Multidisciplinary 4 years, 4 months ago

Looking at it now, lol

Wondering..hmmm...without a lower set of clamps...still have to watch the video to find out. http://omegatreestand.com/

KansasPerson 4 years, 4 months ago

Multi, that reminds me, there's a Christmas-tree stand for sale (I saw it a few years ago at Strawberry Hill Farm) called the "Marriage Saver" .....

For those concerned about the environment, here's a good article.... http://www.livescience.com/environment/091210-christmas-tree-green.html

Multidisciplinary 4 years, 4 months ago

I can say this...

I wish, I had lived a life that I had been able to have real trees every year.

This should be something people discuss BEFORE they get married.

♦Honey, are you going to turn into a 'wussy a--, that tree does this, this, this, this, and this to irritate me in some fashion..so you bring home (without discussing it) this huge artificial tree (that takes up half the room) so we never get to have a real one ever again, and neither will our kids.. for the rest of our lives' ??? ♦ And then, will you bitch relentlessly about how awkward the boxes are to store, how totally impossible it is to put together so that the children and I take over the task. (Oddly, the small children can do this happily and without cussing.) ♦ Repeat same scenario when it's time to put it away? You grumble starting before Thanksgiving about the same artificial tree, even though all you now have to do is bring up the boxes, you only take 5 minutes,and it looks great when 'we're done'.

♦Or will we be discussing this if mutually if it ever comes up?

Those pre marriage discussion books want you to talk about whether you will have a joint checking account or not. That one was easy, they should have covered the ball buster items like the tree and drunken in laws that come over for dinner.

;-)

George_Braziller 4 years, 4 months ago

Every year at Thanksgiving we would visit my grandparents in Wyoming. We'd get a permit, trek out into the forest, cut a tree, strap it onto the top of the car, and drive the 600 miles back home. Must have been hell on the gas mileage.

prospector 4 years, 4 months ago

Autie, I can only speak for myself on what is really true and that is it works for me.

Norma Jeane Baker 4 years, 4 months ago

No, but I cannot tell a lie... I once chopped down a cherry tree.

notajayhawk 4 years, 4 months ago

consumer1 (Anonymous) says…

"I like to cut down my artificial tree, of course I have to buy a new one each year."

Or settle for a shorter tree.

You also save by not replacing the burned out lights as the tree shrinks.

autie (Anonymous) says…

"Prospector, is it really true if one puts beer in the little base thing, it will keep the tree longer, healthier, and happier?"

Don't know about the longer or healthier, but ...

beawolf 4 years, 4 months ago

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

Mixolydian 4 years, 4 months ago

Now that the statute of limitations has run......Yes.

Grew up with the silver aluminum tree and the rotating lights at the base. Gag, It's real every year now.

The worst part about real trees is doing the drive of shame in February, taking the tree (finally) to the dump. All the dead needles flying back on cars behind me. Embarassing. This year will be different. Really.

Randall Barnes 4 years, 4 months ago

DANGIT I NEED SOME MORE EMPTY BEER CANS AND BEER BOTTLE TOPS SO I CAN FINISH MY TREE....YES A REAL TREE THINK IT MIGHT BE A CEDAR.

jonas_opines 4 years, 4 months ago

"Dang Jonas, you beat me to it."

Early bird gets teh lolz. >B^)>

autie 4 years, 4 months ago

Prospector, is it really true if one puts beer in the little base thing, it will keep the tree longer, healthier, and happier?

Multidisciplinary 4 years, 4 months ago

sniffles...the holidays make me so nostalgic and you guys aren't helping one bit.

http://www.massart.edu/Images/www.massart.edu/galleries/Crumb_Web.jpg

http://home.freeuk.net/moondog/mosco.gif

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p1IO2se12VI/RvEXvUwh2dI/AAAAAAAAAZU/_i0O6LBPr_c/s400/01_sclaywilson_zap2.jpg

http://eslpod.com/eslpod_blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/crumb_head_explode.jpg

The_Original_Bob 4 years, 4 months ago

Once Christmas is over, my tree goes in the pond for the crappie. And then I eat the crappie. It is the tree that keeps on giving.

CWGOKU 4 years, 4 months ago

We don't get a free range tree, but we get a real one from a lot that has already been cut so it does not go wasted. Never a fake tree! My wife faking it is enough

prospector 4 years, 4 months ago

I have chopped down trees on Christmas. A chain saw is easier. Dropped some bigguns' in my day. I love watching them fall and the ground shaking with a cracks and booms.

consumer1 4 years, 4 months ago

Auti, if I remember the 60's, a tab of window pane and a postcard of a Christmas tree was all you needed...Remember rainbow window pane????? FFFFFFFFFFFFFFaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutttttttttttt Mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.......................................I believe that is what the original term was used for. that and "WOW MAN"!!!! or "FREAKIN A"

autie 4 years, 4 months ago

spacehog (Anonymous) says…

Autie, can you still get window pane? Is it any good?

autie writes:

I can't talk boutit.

spacehog 4 years, 4 months ago

On topic, we did go to a couple of tree farms when I was a kid. It wasn't much fun. I only remember the last time. I was 8. We were all in a bad mood. My dad was drunk. We all started arguing over which tree to get. My dad backhanded me, knocking out my tooth, then called me a "little bitch" for crying about it. The owner of the farm tried to intervene and my dad beat the hell out of him. Dad got arrested and we ended up staying at the police station until they let him out of the drunk tank. Artificial trees are definitely the way to go.

RoeDapple 4 years, 4 months ago

"Thing (Anonymous) says…

We are going to a tree farm outside of Leavenworth and cut one."

I did that this morning and never left the house...

spacehog 4 years, 4 months ago

Autie, can you still get window pane? Is it any good? I've never dropped acid because I've heard the stuff you get now isn't any good compared to good old days. Plus, I have really dark places in my mind that I'm afraid to explore. I did go to a pill salad party last night and I just huffed a whole can of Kilz primer. I think I'm gonna fall out of my chair......

Leslie Swearingen 4 years, 4 months ago

When I was growing up no one had even heard of an artificial tree. We went out into our woods, yes we owned them, and choose a tree. The kids ran around and the adults argued over the merits of various trees. If I remember correctly, after Christmas the tree became firewood.

spacehog 4 years, 4 months ago

I think Tiger Woods should be the new coach. He'd be popular with the cheerleaders...

spacehog 4 years, 4 months ago

I just checked the Dow. Neither meth nor fruitcakes are doing well right now. The cold has definitely heightened my powers of incineration.

autie 4 years, 4 months ago

HEY, and speaking of Christmas trees, when are we going to get some news about our new football coach? The clock is ticking and inquiring minds want to know.

autie 4 years, 4 months ago

The upside of the real tree, throw it in the pond..or drag it out on the ice down the to pond. Then it becomes natural fish structure. That's what we did when we had them. Now momma gots us one of them fiber optic trees that change all kindy freaky colors whilst it be blinkin an carryin on. Me and the dog have a couple of scotches, then turn all the lights out and pretend we did a hit of window pane and marvel at the show.

Multidisciplinary 4 years, 4 months ago

n/t

consumer1 4 years, 4 months ago

I am going to go to one of the former commissioners homes out in the country. He has some really tall green Christmas tree shaped plants growing in a barn. I am gonna cut one of those down. Can't wait till after Christmas and I can burn it.... he he he.

The_Original_Bob 4 years, 4 months ago

"I see the cold has heightened your powers of ratiocination also."

It is either the cold or the delicious, toasted, buttery biscuit I consumed this morning.

Thing 4 years, 4 months ago

We are going to a tree farm outside of Leavenworth and cut one.

RETICENT_IRREVERENT 4 years, 4 months ago

“Those trees wouldn't exist if there wasn't a market for them.”

"Neither would Meth.”

"Neither would fruitcakes."

I see the cold has heightened your powers of ratiocination also.

The_Original_Bob 4 years, 4 months ago

"Those trees wouldn't exist if there wasn't a market for them.”

Neither would Meth."

Neither would fruitcakes.

RETICENT_IRREVERENT 4 years, 4 months ago

"Those trees wouldn't exist if there wasn't a market for them."

Neither would Meth.

RonBurgandy 4 years, 4 months ago

Nope. We've always had an artificial tree in our house. It does look pretty real though. Real trees seem like too much of a pain in the arse for me.

The_Original_Bob 4 years, 4 months ago

"I think it's a shame that so many trees have to give their lives for someone to decorate them and then throw them out to the curb after a few weeks."

Those trees wouldn't exist if there wasn't a market for them.

CWGOKU 4 years, 4 months ago

Dang Jonas, you beat me to it. But they really were pissed

grammaddy 4 years, 4 months ago

Nope, we use an artificial one. I think it's a shame that so many trees have to give their lives for someone to decorate them and then throw them out to the curb after a few weeks.

Jacob123 4 years, 4 months ago

Yep then we would burn it new year’s eve in a wild party.

consumer1 4 years, 4 months ago

I like to cut down my artificial tree, of course I have to buy a new one each year. But, you should see the ornaments fly with that first whack. Note: make sure you unplug the lights. Otherwise lookout and have an exstinguisher handy.

The_Original_Bob 4 years, 4 months ago

Yes.

Artificial trees are the devil's doing. Get a real tree.

jonas_opines 4 years, 4 months ago

Sure did! Neighbors were pissed, too.

spacehog 4 years, 4 months ago

There is unrest in the forest, There is trouble with the trees, For the maples want more sunlight And the oaks ignore their pleas. The trouble with the maples, (And they're quite convinced they're right) They say the oaks are just too lofty And they grab up all the light. But the oaks can't help their feelings If they like the way they're made. And they wonder why the maples Can't be happy in their shade. There is trouble in the forest, And the creatures all have fled, As the maples scream Oppression! And the oaks just shake their heads So the maples formed a union And demanded equal rights. The oaks are just too greedy; We will make them give us light. Now there's no more oak oppression, For they passed a noble law, And the trees are all kept equal By hatchet, axe, and saw. -Rush (influenced by Bob Dylan)

spacehog 4 years, 4 months ago

I'm actually afraid of trees. Probably because when I was a kid I saw that Disney movie (I'm thinking Babes in Toyland, am I wrong) where the trees come alive. Also, in my all time favorite movie "To Kill a Mockingbird", toward the end it's at night and Jem and Scout are walking home from the school costume party while Bob Ewell is chasing them and the wind is blowing through the trees. Good effect. Also Robert Duvall's first film. He played Boo Radley.

spacehog 4 years, 4 months ago

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

RETICENT_IRREVERENT 4 years, 4 months ago

Damn heathens...

Jeremiah 10: :1-5 Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

autie 4 years, 4 months ago

Yes. And I also threw a silver dollar across the Veridgris River.

Bill Lee 4 years, 4 months ago

The only time I ever did we were too tired to take it into the house so left it in the backyard, where it remained until after Christmas. We took it to the curb without ever having put it up in the house. Now I have an artificial tree that I'm still decorating. I hope to finish before Christmas.