“Pining” for the Holidays!
This is the time of the year when I’m always reminded of the Hans Christian Anderson story, “The Pine Tree”. Do you know that story? I’ll give you a quick breakdown:
In the forest a little pine tree was growing. All he can think about is growing up and is thoroughly embarrassed when a bunny hops over him, because it makes him feel even smaller and less important. The village kids call him the “baby of the forest” and again he is embarrassed and frustrated. A stork tells him of seeing older trees chopped down and used as ship masts, and the little tree envies them. In the fall, nearby trees are felled and the sparrows tell the little pine tree of seeing them decorated in houses.
One day, before he is able to grow larger, he is cut down. He is bought, carried into a house, decorated, and, on on Christmas Eve, he glows with candles, colored apples, toys, and baskets of candy. A gold star tops the tree. The children enter and plunder the tree of its candy and gifts then listen to a little fat man tell the story of “Humpty Dumpty”.
The next day, the pine tree expects the festivities to be renewed, and that every day he gets to celebrate with his new family, but servants take the tree down and carry him into the attic. The tree is lonely and disappointed but the mice gather to hear the tree recite the tale of “Humpty Dumpty”. Rats arrive, and, when they belittle the simple tale, the mice leave and do not return. In the spring, the pine tree – now withered and discolored – is carried into the yard. A boy takes the star from its topmost branch. The pine tree is then cut into pieces and burned.
You know what this classic story always reminds of? This 44 Bottle Wooden Wine Rack, made of unfinished pine. It’s over three feet tall, and looks great in any home. Since it’s unfinished, you can paint it however you like. Which will be fun.