The Christmas Mantle

The past three years, around this time, my mother-in-law and I have visited a certain neighborhood holly tree. We happen to bring along a small pair of shears. This year I drove. We pulled up to the aforementioned tree. She hopped out and quickly, but reverently, removed a few choice sprigs, then quickly returned to the car. We drove away.

The tree is on an island in the middle of a street in our neighborhood. It is lush with berries every year. Don't you agree a tree like that could use a little annual pruning?

And just so you know the full truth, the greenery that fills in much of the mantle is not from the holly tree. It's from our neighbor's huge pine tree across the street...

Anyone want to go to Confession with me this Saturday?