I follow very few decorators on Instagram. Using my laptop, not the app, I only see those that I follow. Using my tablet with the app, I am bombarded with ads and photos from people that don't interest me. One thing I noticed is the multitude of "white farmhouse" sites, all white, all the same, shiplaps, thick pillows, rugs, candles, and foliage. I am about to stop following, tired of hearing "buy my book", "swipe up", "go to my blog". I know the sites are businesses and doing very well, but I am getting too old to enjoy them. Daily videos, everything seems rushed and hyper, room decor changes daily, and it's an overload rather than an enjoyable visit. Well now, it's Christmas decorating which has already changed several times since Halloween. Slow down people! Are you trying to outdo and get the jump on each other while we try to maneuver through the ads to find the info you promised? Today is warm and beautiful, but like Maxine, I'm still a crabass and can't seem to keep opinions to myself.

I wanted to show you the tree I purchased. The one I really wanted is 58" wide and that's just too much for my small rooms. I have had the same skinny trees for many years, have quite a few sparse shorts, but would like to move to a more traditional tree. The pencils are good, but look solid and unnatural. This isn't really a pencil, wider than I would like, but manageable. Thinning (cutting) out inner branches to get a more sparse form works for some, but many have wire branches and pipe trunk which look better covered. The prices vary (MUCH more at Macy's) but Target and Walmart are the cheapest and also can be returned easily if not happy.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/206567886
This one from Puleo is not available, I've tried everywhere. It was my first choice and I requested info from the company if it has been discontinued but no reply. This model also comes in a fuller version and is in stock (Amazon) but I prefer the slim. If it becomes available, I will order it for the other room.
I like them because they are "natural cut". I do like the sparse one from Balsam Hill but don't care for the fairy lights, and the other similar Red Spruce model is $500. Not willing to pay that when I change Christmas trees as often as underwear.
So. Is anyone already decorating?
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