In my 28 years, I've never celebrated a Christmas without a tree. And though it might seem extravagant, given that we've never spent the holiday itself in our own home, I'm happy that we've gotten our own little tree each year we've been married. Even though it lives with us for less than three weeks, it does so much to gladden what is traditionally a less than buoyant time in the student's calendar.
There's something about bringing a living thing into your home, a beautifully-scented, even sticky and sharp-needled thing, as a tangible reminder of the respite and celebration that awaits. How much more beautiful, more strange, more hopeful is the Incarnation!
I completely agree. Our tree is fake, but it's a nearly-forty year old tree that my great-grandmother even used. I know some people insist on not putting up the tree until close to Christmas, but like you we are not home at Christmas so I always put it up early (this year I did hold off until the second week of Advent, though). I figure it brings me such joy and happiness that it's worth it - especially because, as you say, this is hell season for academics!
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