Christmas in July is a marketers' dream come true. Get the public to think about cold weather; the idea is to arouse the Christmas spirit despite scalding temperatures.
I love to remember the Johnson's first Christmas 20 years ago. As we left to go to LT's little brother's Christmas tree lot , we each had a different image of the Christmas tree we would be bringing home. LT had visions of a majestic, perfectly balanced tree to adorn our apartment. I, on the other hand, had images of Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
When we arrived at the lot, B eagerly showed us the beautiful tree he had put aside for his big brother. I stood with a big pout on my face shaking my head. I told B I wanted the tree no one else wanted:the Charlie Brown Christmas tree..
The Christmas tree he had, no doubt, tossed out back to use as firewood. This was B's first encounter with his big brother's high maintenance, southern, blonde girlfriend. To say he was confused is a huge understatement: flabbergasted may be closer to an explanation. Looking to LT for guidance, B sees his big brother nod, indicating get her whatever she wants.
I smile. B leaves for a few minutes. We look up. B is carrying my first Charlie Brown Christmas tree: a tree with 1/2 of the side smooshed and the top jutting out at a 45 degree angle. I scream, "It's perfect!" I run up and give B a big hug. He smiles, LT nods again.
This began the Johnson family tradition. We did switch to an artificial tree a few years back (but, again, I made LT get the tree no one else wanted: one missing a big chunk).
How have the Johnson's decorated their Charlie Brown Christmas tree over the years? Every year Charlie's ornaments change. Yes, you read that correctly. After many weeks of thought, I decide on Charlie's theme. I make over 100 of the central ornament (e.g. the ornament pulling the theme). Pictured below is the central ornament of 2009, an angel. Charlie 2009 also had 80 candy canes and 80 signs with holiday words hanging in his branches.
July is my self-designated month to begin thinking about the theme of Charlie. Some years are easier than others. Last year the idea fell into place without problem. The tree was gorgeous and I had all the ornaments completed by Thanksgiving.
Of course all prototypes must be approved by LT. I know I have hit a snag when I take a completed central ornament in for him to see, and he calmly asks, "What is it?" I share with you no ornament has made it to the final Charlie if LT has asked what it is.
I have a few ideas, but still haven't settled on one. In the past few years, we have had gingerbread men, penquins and snowman, just to name a few. Remember this goes back 20 years!
One of the side benefits of planning early is thinking about cold things when the heat index here in South Carolina is 110 degrees.
I think I will go get a Diet Coke.
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Note: This post proved necessary to provide the groundwork for my journey to Charlie 2010. I cannot imagine not including my readers in the trip. We will have many laughs and stories along the way. This post also serves as reference for readers who join us in months ahead. You are telling your friends about us, right? http://savortheride.com wink
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