Yggdrasil

 

Yggdrasil was the Tree of Life in Norse mythology.  I couldn't seem to remember the name so I name every live Christmas tree I buy 'Yggdrasil' and now that problem is solved.  Having a live Christmas tree works well for me.  Sure I have to wind lights around it and drape it w/ garland and hang the ornaments but on a little tree those activities go pretty quickly.  Plus because these live trees are only about five feet tall, it give me a reason to shop for a couple new miniature ornaments every year.  A real tree gives off a fresh piney smell and since it will only be in the house for a week before it goes back out to the workshop, there is minimal needle drop.   Unfortunately, the angel I have used for a tree topper is oversized for small trees and this particular Yggdrasil has a tall leader.  The angel couldn't sit over it and still be supported by lower branches.   Trimming a leader branch on a live tree is a big no-no.  I found a much smaller angel in my box of ornaments that will suffice for this year.  I think the tree is beautiful.   Whip is indifferent.  The cats are fascinated.  So much so, that I had to hang the more sparkly ornaments higher up.  Still, they love jumping into the box I set up around the tree's base.  Nothing like a place where they can pretend to be invisible beneath a curtain of branches and watch for whatever-cats-watch-for.  For me a big bonus of having a live tree is, instead of tossing a cut tree's carcass outside after Christmas, I'll be planting this Yggdrasil next spring in a line w/ Yggdrasil Sr., Yggdrasil Jr., and Yggdrasil the III.