This Years Tree

No Norelco commercials again this Christmas season! Strangely enough I miss them. Have you noticed how fast time flies as you get up in years? We’re already into November, Thanksgiving in just two days! And yes, “Christmas - is - just around the corner.” Do you have this years tree? Stop by Home Depot and see me . . .

It seems like yesterday. Santa cruising down the snow-filled slopes on his triple-head Norelco electric shaver. Before your time? No problem they’re on YouTube - of course. Now Santa is trying to sell you a luxury sports car (A red Mercedes).

As a youngster I was convinced - just around the corner - meant Main Street; Marshall’s Hardware - Santa Land. My brothers and I would take a walk to town to see all the holiday decorations and toys we wanted Santa to bring. Day-and-Palin’s was the only Christmas tree lot that I can remember in Cuba, Illinois. Waiting for Christmas seemed like an eternity. The toys have morphed somehow, instead of a Daisy BB gun, or a G.I. Joe, now it’s a new smart phone, Apple TV, jewelry, tools, clothes, iTunes gift cards, and home repair items. Today, just around the corner reminds us; in the blink of an eye the holidays will have come and gone.

Come to think of it, how would Charles Schulz have written A Charlie Brown Christmas today?

“I suggest we try those search lights, Charlie Brown,” would have led Charlie Brown and Linus to The Home Depot tree lot with its woven wire fence, trees wrapped in netting and the sweet smell of freshly cut trunks as trees are trimmed for customers. Oh, by the way, this year stop by the Home Depot tree lot at Sycamore and Melrose to say hello and pick up your tree, I’ll be there.

I haven’t seen a “Great big shiny aluminum Christmas tree” - in years. Have you?

It’s hard to believe A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired - December 1965, last nights show on CBS marked its 50th anniversary! Admittedly, it’s still one of my favorite holiday programs. I make it a point to watch it every year. Indeed, today, Linus would have launched the Home Depot app on his smartphone to check price and availability before leaving the auditorium. And, walk to the tree lot - are you kidding - he would have texted his mother to bring the SUV; even though the nearest home center is less than three blocks from most peoples house.

Things have changed a lot over the years but the commercialism that Schultz and others portrayed still exists today more than ever. Now the statement, “Christmas is just around the corner.” is accompanied with “Have you finished your Christmas shopping?” – No, have you?

Yes, Christmas - is - just around the corner; if you still think it’s about shopping till you’re broke, think again. Please take a moment this holiday season and listen to Linus as he recites from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2 Verses 8 through 14 from the Authorized King James Version:

"Lights please."

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.”

. . . “That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.”

It is just around the corner, where you can pick up this years tree.

Merry Christmas!

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