TREE HUNT

When the bag that held our Christmas tree came down from the attic I opened it up and pulled out one of the limbs.

My son Alex’s girlfriend Chloe couldn’t help but laugh. “I think you need a new tree!”

“I know.” I sighed looking at the sad limb that barely had any needles left on it. “We’ve had this tree for over thirty years.” I tossed the limb back in the bag. “We meant to get a new one at the end of last year but I couldn’t find one I liked.”

“Let’s go look this weekend.” she suggested.

I looked over at my husband Steven and shrugged my shoulders. “What do you think?” I asked.

“I think it’s time for a new tree.” he said.

On shopping day we all headed for the nearest department store.

Chloe and I went ahead, wanting to scout out our favorite tree first.

By the time Steven and Alex got to the tree section Chloe and I had already decided we didn’t like any of them.

“Okay, I’m ready to go to the next store.” I said.

“Wait a minute.” Steven said. “What about this one?” He pointed to a tree that had the fullness I liked but was only five feet tall.

“I don’t know…” I sighed.

“I think it’s perfect.” Steven said. “We don’t need a huge tree anymore.”

“I guess.” I looked at the tag that hung on the tree and went to find the box that matched the number.

As I walked around the corner looking for the box the tree was in, Chloe came over to me. “But you don’t like that tree. It’s too small.” she said.

“I know but it’s the only one here that’s even close.”

“Wait, here.” She walked over to Steven as I peeked through the shelves to see what she was going to do.

I couldn’t hear what she was saying but within minutes Steven was calling over to me. “Let’s go look at another store and see if we can find something taller.”

I came around the corner, taking Steven’s outstretched hand and looked over at Chloe who mouthed “You’re welcome.” as she took Alex’s hand as we left the store.

The next store was where we found the perfect tree. A gorgeous seven and a half foot, pre-lit beauty.

Loading it up on the cart Steven pushed it to the check-out and minutes later we were loading it in the van and were headed back home.

Once we were home Steven and Alex began putting it together while Chloe and I began going through the decorations.

The next hour we were all decorating the tree while Christmas carols played in the background.

Once we were done and all standing back to admire our work I couldn’t help but look over at Chloe. “You know, this is the first time in years we’ve all decorated the tree together. It’s usually me doing it by myself.” I gave her a little hug. “It looks like you’ve replaced Alex as my new secret weapon.” I whispered.

We both looked over at Steven and Alex as they were making some final adjustments with the ornaments.

“You’re welcome.” she whispered back.