A Depression Christmas Tree

Oh, the memories brought back by this photo taken in our dining room in the 1930's! The black telephone on the wall was a party line shared by neighbors who, at opportune times, listened in to others conversations. There was no TV, cell phones, computers or any other instant messaging. It took longer to get the news. We actually learned the latest through the newspapers, magazines, radio or the gossip line. That allowed time to reflect during bus rides, meandering walks, fingering through the garden dirt, biking, cleaning the house, washing, hanging and ironing the clothes, petting the cat, peeling potatoes, washing the car or putting a puzzle together.

The Christmas tree selection each year was a lengthy process. We joined our Dad in venturing out into the woods to pick that perfect tree. If it wasn't to Mom's satisfaction, we drove back out to choose another one. Some years it was a spruce, another year a balsam or pine, but each and every year it had to be perfectly formed to meet my mother's approval.

Next came the lights, and that was not a simple task. Every year there were some lights that were burned out and needed replacing before we could place the decorations, carefully and individually wrapped, on the tree. Last of all, and most agonizing, was the final touch, the silver tinsel that had to be, and I mean, had to be, hung straight and with utmost care on each branch of the tree.

Although we all contributed to this holiday perfection, most of the work was left to the oldest in the family. I, being the youngest, gave up the fastest. This tinsel hanging was difficult and tedious and the final touches were often left to my oldest brother. After the season when the tree was taken down, each piece of tinsel was carefully removed and wrapped around a cardboard sleeve to be re-used the following Christmas.

Looking at this photo taken so many years ago (although it seems like yesterday), I marvel that we took the time to slowly and carefully hang each piece of the shiny tinsel. But then we had more time, with less distractions, to create perfection. We were not bombarded by the instant media and demands of today. Perhaps we achieve more today than yesterday, but in the process do we lose some of the thoughtful creativity that comes with time, peace and quiet?

Inventions are wonderful and I appreciate them to no end, but at times, during moments of solitude, I can't help but wonder. Have we lost more than we have gained? These thoughts filter through my mind as I look at this fading photo from long ago.