I suppose since I call myself a writer I ought to jot down a few words significant to the season upon us. Whether or not they’re really of any significance is, of course, completely subjective, in most respects anyway. This is my 21st Pennsylvania winter since moving from Kentucky in 1988. And we’ve had the same artificial Christmas tree for 17 of those winters. (I consider that to be quite significant.) It’s easy to put up, don’t shed needles, and when you add the aroma of a pine-scented candle, you can’t even tell it’s fake.
But real trees have their advantages too. Especially if it’s a family thing and y’all go cut your own. I remember once when my brother and I trudged up a big hill to reach a little pine forest where we cut our own tree. It was out in the country, not one of those cut-your-own tree farms where you have Christmas music blarin in your ears and a salesperson hands you a dull bow saw to use, and you look so out of place holdin it that people notice. No, the place we cut our own tree was rarely visited by anyone else, I’d go so far to say that no one ever went there but us.
We used to shoot mistletoe out of the tops of trees. I can’t say for sure if I’ve ever seen it growin in trees here. It’s a parasitic plant, and can’t grow on the ground, it uses the tree’s sap for sustenance. Odd how we humans chose it to be the Christmas “kiss me” plant. But we’re an odd bunch anyway, Mother Nature sees it in us all the time. If you’d like to read more about the parasite, click here.
So, what am I getting for Christmas? Rest. Since becoming a school bus driver, I’ve had to rise at 5:30 am, Monday through Friday, for the past four months. I know a lot of y’all are used to it, but I wasn’t. So, all I want for Christmas is to sleep till around 8:00 in the mornin, till January 4. (I know socks and underwear are also being received, it really wouldn’t be Christmas without those two items, now would it boys?)
These are material things; socks, skivvies, sleep (not really material per se), iPods, cell phones, mistletoe, and all kinds of other stuff we ask for at this time of year. What about that other thing that Christmas is supposed to represent? Jesus. If he were physically with us today, what do you suppose he’d think of all this? What would he say? You know what I think? I think we’d remind him of mistletoe. Don’t take it personal, I don’t think Jesus does.
TC Conner Photography 
12 replies on “Tis the season, and whatnot”
A wonderful post, TC. I think nature would also consider us to be highly like mistletoe. 😉 Belated happy Christmas to you and yours.
Hi Ms. Jodi, thanks for stoppin by. There’s other mistletoe-like comparisons, isn’t there? 😉
As I said, there is some argument–always a healthy thing–about the nature of mistletoe’s parasitism. This article explains it best:
http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek051208.html
Who knows? Maybe preaching is your destiny. Mother usually knows best. Your new website is looking great, by the way.
“Because American Mistletoe can photosynthesize and is not entirely dependent on its host for food, some authorities call it “semiparasitic,” but if it actually provides a modicum of food back to the Pecan, then perhaps the relationship is really one of mutual cooperation.”
It seems the term “semiparasitic” would fit the genus homo as well. 😉
I thought there was some debate as to whether mistletoe is truly parasitic or has a symbiotic thing going on with the trees. I’ve read that it does provide some photosynthetic benefit to the trees it inhabits. Oh, well, those debates keep life interesting. I like your segue into the real meaning of Christmas. Are you sure you’re not preacher material?
Who knows Ms. I. There could be a symbiosis we’re not aware of, it wouldn’t surprise. I’m wondering what the “photosynthetic benefit” might be? If you compare it to a tick on a dog, I don’t see it, oh well.
And at one point my Mother used to tell me I should be a preacher, a Southern Baptist/Pentecostal fire and brimstone shoutin Holy Ghost filled speakin in tongues preacher! Can I get an amen??!
Hope you had a Merry Christmas TC.
I’m Glad I stopped by to read your post because I had forgotten that mistletoe was a parasitic plant! I’ll have to refile that bit of info in my brain and hope to remember it next year.
Hope you have a Happy New Year!
We did indeed have a Merry One Mr. BT.
Next year I’m goin to make a mistletoe hanger, one I can wear! ;~)
Well, I can see why you think you can write a book (as stated in the posts before this) and why it’s a good idea: you have something to say, and you say it well. So write on. Hope yours is a prolific new year.
Thanks for stoppin by and commenting Ms. Marion. Prolific stuff begins in about a week. And your writing skills are quite evident also.
Merry Christmas TC. Hope yours is happy.~~Dee
Hi Dee, thanks for stoppin by. We’re havin a merry one, for sure! I wish the same for y’all! (And thanks for the “red dirt” clarification.)