An Abundance of Obsession

by Robin Weaver

I have an abundance of Christmas ornaments, but I’m making more. Why? That answer is simple. I’m
obsessed with Christmas trees.

I’m the first to admit, my obsession is debilitating. If I’d use my time to start a business instead of gluing, painting, and getting glitter out of my rugs/kitchen/hair/etc., I’d probably be rich.

Then I could buy more ornaments.

Wait!

That’s not what I meant to say. Really.

Last year, my theme was “Up, Up & Away.” Yes, sadly I have a theme. Every year. I plan. And plan some more. My goal is a new theme each year (even if it’s just a fancy term for pink and green baubles, i.e. Apple Blossom Special). I also try to come up with a tree idea that won’t look like every other tree. Which has gotten harder and harder. I mean seriously, have you seen the variety in Hobby Lobby?

Anyway, for this Up-Up thesis, I spent days (maybe weeks) making glittery paper airplanes, hot-air balloons from old ornaments, and even crazy sequined flying saucers. All that for a mere thirty-eight days of beauty. I think my grammar school didn’t have enough arts & crafts.

This year’s theme is Royal Brass, which is just a fancy way to say my decorations will be blue, copper, and gold. Starting in July, I began stuffing blue velvet into Styrofoam balls. While I watched Netflix—didn’t want to totally waste my time. 😊 A couple weekend’s ago, I sprayed leaves gold and copper, and, of course, added lots of glitter.

Even I know the results don’t justify the hours invested. Still, I can’t stop. Designing my tree is kinda my thing. It’s not like I’m robbing banks, or defrauding investors. (Yeah, I’m not even buying this justification myself).

On a positive note, one year, a friend vowed to “one up” my tree. No, the challenge is not the positive note. The positive outcome was the competition (although no one admits to any competing) provided the inspiration for the Christmas Tree Wars. And the birth of the fictional town of Merryvale.

The novella details a small-town Christmas Tree competition, which incidentally brings in tourism and props up the town’s economy. The characters are also “tree” obsessed, but underneath all that glitz, there’s more to having the best tree than Dresden ornaments, preserved magnolia leaves, and garland by the town.

In short, we’re all people doing the best we can. And hopefully not defrauding investors. I hope there’s something that adds a little glitter to your life. Even if it is a little obsessive.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Robin