No Christmas Tree
@RichardMeister (5328)
Otis Orchards, Washington
December 14, 2015 12:29pm CST
I have not erected a Christmas tree in about 25 years. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a Scrooge. I have my reasons and I think they are all good.
Reason one: No one comes to my house for Christmas so why have a tree?
Reason two: The cost of a Christmas tree. Why should I pay for something nobody is going to see and then, after a few weeks, throw it away?
Reason three: All my Christmas lights and ornaments disappeared and that would cost money to replace.
Reason four: If no one is going to see my tree, why should I burn the electricity for the lights?
Reason five: The time spent to find a tree, put it up, decorate it and then take it down a few weeks later. If no one is going to see the tree, why waste the time?
Reason six: Christmas trees are a fire hazard. (Okay, okay. This was just thrown in to straighten my reasonings.)
I’ll admit I thought about buying a plastic tree over the years but never did. I guess most my reasons boil down to one thing–the cost of it all. Why basically throw that money away when no one is going to come to my house for Christmas?
Maybe I am an old tightwad Scrooge. But since nobody comes to my house for Christmas they are not going to know that, are they?
19 people like this
22 responses
@poehere (15123)
• French Polynesia
15 Dec 15
Sounds like all valid reason to me. I did not put up a tree last year because I did not feel like it. I was here alone for the Christmas because my partner had to go and work in Easter Island. No need for the tree and nobody but me and the animals to enjoy this one. So why bother. This year I might do the same. Not sure yet still have time to dig out the fake tree and put it up.
5 people like this
@poehere (15123)
• French Polynesia
15 Dec 15
@ElicBxn It is only 5 hours from here. He will g o again this coming February and I might join him there for a week or two. I know it is nice there but it is smaller than here and he said there wasn't all that much to do over there. So maybe a week or two will be enough for me to be there and then I'll be happy to come back home.
2 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70020)
• United States
14 Dec 15
I wish someone would come to your house so you would have a good reason to have a tree. That is if that would be suitable to you.
Some people dont like the fuss of holidays anyway.
Some people dont like the fuss of holidays anyway.4 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
14 Dec 15
I would be totally shocked if someone would want to come to an old bachelor's house for Christmas. I could cook Christmas dinner, but would anyone want to eat it? Actually, I'm not a bad cook, but keep that quiet. I really don't want to fuss with making Christmas dinner. Besides, my brother and I always get together and take our mother out for Christmas dinner. There's always a few restaurants open on Christmas.
4 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70020)
• United States
14 Dec 15
@RichardMeister Oh thats nice at least you do something for Christmas with your brother and Mom. I am sure they enjoy it as much as you do.
It is always very low key for myself and my son.
It is always very low key for myself and my son.3 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
14 Dec 15
@TiarasOceanView Yes, we all enjoy getting together.
3 people like this
@pumpkinjam (8876)
• United Kingdom
14 Dec 15
Makes sense to me. I like my Christmas tree, and I have children so I have my tree. I'll probably still have a tree even when my children leave home, whether anyone visits or not! I won't buy new ones though. I'm happy with my while plastic one!
Your reasons for not having a tree are perfectly valid and reasonable. :)
3 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
14 Dec 15
If I had kids I would have a tree.
1 person likes this
@patgalca (18481)
• Orangeville, Ontario
15 Dec 15
If I was living alone I would probably use a 3 foot artificial tree. It's what I used the first few Christmases after I moved out of my parents home. You don't have to buy a real tree. We use an artificial one (to my elder daughter's dismay) but that saves the cost of a new tree every year and listening to my husband curse for an hour as he tries to get the darn thing to stand in the tree stand. We don't usually have guests over.
I considered not putting a tree up this year because, as I told my younger daughter, there will be no presents under it. We are all so broke this year. She said we should stick to a two gift limit. Well, you know I can't do that. Once I start shopping...
Anyway, we finally got the tree up this past weekend and it is FINALLY starting to feel a little bit like Christmas. I really need to do some shopping.
3 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
15 Dec 15
An artificial tree also saves you the mess of pine needles all over the place.
@RonElFran (1214)
• Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
14 Dec 15
We have a miniature artificial tree we put up every year. It's hardly any trouble, but we like seeing it.
3 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
14 Dec 15
I have a friend who has one of those. I thought about getting one.
1 person likes this
@Namelesss (3364)
• United States
14 Dec 15
If you want a tree then that's a good enough reason to have one. You don't need any other reasons. 
4 people like this
@ElicBxn (64169)
• United States
15 Dec 15
Just 25 years? I've been on my own since I was 22, that was nearly 40 years ago and I have NEVER, okay, ONCE, put up a Christmas tree. But that was just because I was feeling really depressed and needed something to distract myself with. The cats ruined it so I had to throw it away.
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
15 Dec 15
I've been on my own for over 40 years. I just quit putting up a tree about 25 years ago.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189874)
• Boise, Idaho
14 Dec 15
Last time I looked there was no law that you had to have a tree. I don't have one either. We set up this little one that my daughter got once in a while but, I doubt we will this year. They are very expensive now days. When it is a chose between a tree or food we usually go with the latter.
3 people like this
@rosekiss (30413)
• Eugene, Oregon
14 Dec 15
I live alone, and my ex comes for Christmas, but even if he didn't I still put up an aritifical tree. It is just a tabletop one, so not a lot of work. It is prelit, so I just had to put ornaments on it. I don't take it apart after Christmas either. I just leave it togehter and put it in the closet until next season. Even if no one did come, I would still put it up. when my ex and I were married, I put one up every year, and no one came to the house. I just enjoy having a tree to look at.
2 people like this
@rosekiss (30413)
• Eugene, Oregon
15 Dec 15
@RichardMeister That is your preference. My ex doesn't put one up either, but when we were married, I always did, and he didn't mind it, as I did all the work. He will be coming to spend next week with me, so he will see my tree anyway. I also have a wreath on the door, and a star in the window, so that those walking and driving by will see them.
1 person likes this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
15 Dec 15
@rosekiss If I were living with someone and they wanted a tree I certainly would put one up. And I would do all the work if need be. It's not that I don't like having a tree, it's more like I don't see the need to have a tree. Do I need a tree to celebrate Christmas? My answer to that is, "no."
1 person likes this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
15 Dec 15
Yes, I can understand people wanting to put up a tree. I just don't feel I need a tree to celebrate Christmas.
1 person likes this
@much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
15 Dec 15
I'm going to fly out to there right now so you better have that tree ready! 
It's all about how you feel - if you don't want one, that's fine and no one else's business.
Plants do tend to spruce up the house though - how about a poinsettia (I saw small ones from $3.99) or some mini trees in a pot (I've seen them for less than $10). Or how about a simple wreath for your door or somewhere indoors? Just a thought.
It's all about how you feel - if you don't want one, that's fine and no one else's business.
Plants do tend to spruce up the house though - how about a poinsettia (I saw small ones from $3.99) or some mini trees in a pot (I've seen them for less than $10). Or how about a simple wreath for your door or somewhere indoors? Just a thought.2 people like this
@much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
21 Dec 15
@RichardMeister You should put lights and ornaments on your 25 year old plant. There's your Christmas tree, er, plant!
You never know, I just might show up - trick or treat - ha ha 
. And if I'm in time for Christmas, I know to bring a tree with me. And a full snow suit!
You never know, I just might show up - trick or treat - ha ha . And if I'm in time for Christmas, I know to bring a tree with me. And a full snow suit! 1 person likes this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
22 Dec 15
@much2say I can't put lights on my plant. It looks like this is going to be its last year–but then again it has fooled me before.
I've discovered when someone says, "You never know," when talking about something they might do what they are really saying is, "It's not going to happen."
@lokisdad (4226)
• United States
15 Dec 15
Maybe a small take one that you can place on a table as a decorative center piece it would probably cost under twenty bucks. All you would have to do is plug it in to see if light up otherwise it will be nice just the same not lit to save electricity.It might lift your holiday spirit. .Who knows maybe you may just invite someone over and then someone besides you will see it. Our oldest son had one in his bedroom and he loved it so much he kept it out all year round.
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
15 Dec 15
I've thought about that.
1 person likes this
@carexing25 (1822)
• Philippines
15 Dec 15
yes, definitely agree with you..that's a practical way of celebrating Christmas.. we don't have to spend .. sometimes, it's good to see a Christmas tree but what's the point of putting it up when no ones gonna come and see, then, next thing will happen, you will be staring alone on that tree,- seems no value at all (in my own thought)
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
15 Dec 15
My brother and I take our mother out to dinner on Christmas. That is enough celebration for me.
1 person likes this
@hiru84 (942)
• Malaysia
16 Dec 15
@RichardMeister
some times It must be correct in your way.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
14 Dec 15
Satisfy yourself, if you do not want one then dont have one. I have NOT put one up as of yet this year either. Not that I dont want to its just I dont have time.
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
14 Dec 15
I hear you there. Finding time can sometimes be a hassle.
1 person likes this
@jahernandezrivas (11287)
• United States
15 Dec 15
I haven't bought a tree in a few years. I love Christmas but it is just me and my Husband and no one is coming over this time, My daughter is all grown up and moved out and his daughters too. I have a fake tree L.O.L. It is a ceramic one one that my Grand Mother had when she was alive and I plug it in and it lights up
1 person likes this
@inertia4 (27978)
• United States
15 Dec 15
I hear you. I agree. If no one is going to see the tree why bother. I was looking for an easier way this year. And I almost found a simple solution. But it did not happen. Next year I am thinking digital. Like a 3D projection of a tree. That would be awesome.
1 person likes this
@inertia4 (27978)
• United States
16 Dec 15
@RichardMeister I have seen many of those and I will probably get that for next year. But I am looking for something to project a 3D image of a xmas tree inside the house.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (40032)
• Toccoa, Georgia
15 Dec 15
I fully understand your reasons. There was one or two years in the past, where my family and I didn't put a tree up for many of the reasons you write.
2 people like this
@nanette64 (20363)
• Fairfield, Texas
15 Dec 15
You've got the right thinking cap on @RichardMeister . My sister comes down for Xmas. The day she arrives, she calls an hour before her arrival. I grab the 3' plastic, pre-lit tree from the closet and plug it in. When she leaves 2 or 3 days later; back in the box it goes.
1 person likes this
@shivamani10 (11035)
• Hyderabad, India
15 Dec 15
I really wonder why people do not come to your house? Don't they wanna to see the Christmas Tree? Even then you place one in your house..One more things if they do not come ....you can go and see theirs. Nothing wrong in it..Everything goes nicely...in 2016
2 people like this
