I'm quite used to getting a Christmas tree out of box, unfolding the branches, positioning it in a relatively small, convenient location and adding decorations.

This year however I haven't been permitted such simplicity. Instead I've been "treated" to the joys of real Christmas tree. Lessons I have learnt:-

• the base of a real tree is roughly as wide as the tree is high
• even the ones that say they keep their needles, don't if you move, decorate, touch or just look at it the wrong way (see photo)
• real trees generally don't grow exactly straight
• they need watering every day
• a five foot high tree needs at least 80 lights
• for the first day the smell is so strong (in a small room anyway)
• once finished, they do look quite good :-)