I was talking about my favorite Christmas tree the other day, and thought to myself, “Why not write it down for everyone to read about?” So here it is………
Over the years we got really big into Christmas. My favorite job was always this older little building downtown called the Chamber Building. The shortest old brick building around but it had character and a style of it’s own. Each year we placed a 15’ Noble Fur in the middle of the lobby and large wreaths on each floor.
First about the tree: Your local wholesale tree brokers will cut, fireproof and deliver. It’s great, you just pick the perfect tree, let it settle in place for a few days and the tree is ready to decorate.
I always enjoyed decorating later in the afternoon. While my college helpers are lighting the tree, I’m plugging in the coffee pot, radio with a little Nat King Cole and by 6 or 6:30 the tree is almost fully lit, and everyone is leaving the building with a smile on their face, anticipating their beautiful tree fully decorated upon their arrival the next day. By 7 the show is about to begin! I never liked getting on a ladder so I take a broom handle and point, telling the guys where to place the largest decorations. Always decorate largest to smallest, with the smallest usually being the most expensive decoration. (“Tree Recipes” come in your books, and anyone can decorate beautiful with our easy step-by-step instructions).
Within a few hours the tree is almost completely decorated, and about now the security guard is asking for a cup of coffee and telling us stories of his childhood and we’re all getting a little hungry. I order pizza and have it delivered, and the security guard automatically assumes he’s included in the pizza party and drinks all my coffee. After a break the guys load their pick up trucks with excess decorations and I begin the finishing touches on the tree. The lights are blazing, the tree looks fantastic, and we fill the base with empty wrapped packages and teddy bears with big red bows.
Everything is perfect, and I’m walking out the door knowing I just made $4000.00 profit! I guess that’s the best part, but when the tree is ablaze with lights & smelling so fresh, it’s easy to forget about the money temporarily!
I’d love to hear from you (888) 782-0020
Pamela Dorn, President
pamela@christmasconcepts.com
