How many of you put your Christmas tree up last night? Typically my family does as well. This year I admit that we put it up early but that was because I found the most awesome tree at Hammacher Schlemmer and they were so wonderful to send it to us. I have to give them a huge thank you because this is the first true tree we’ve had in a few years. Christmas has been a bit rough for the last few years and last year we didn’t even put up a tree with everyone being sick. We did a really small tabletop tree the year before that. So this year we are going all out. I wanted this year to be more like some of the the ones we had in the past as well as like those of my own childhood. That is one of the reasons that this year is so important to me. We, as a whole, are finally beyond all of the negative stuff for the last few years. The depression is at bay and I feel much more in the holiday spirit. 

Hammacher Schlemmer is America’s longest running catalog. I didn’t know that. Before finding the tree I had actually never heard of them. Isn’t that crazy? It began in a hardware store of all things. 12-year-old William Schlemmer began selling tools in front of his uncle’s hardware store. In 1867, with the help of  Alfred Hammacher he bought out his uncle’s interest. Together they reinvented the retail goods store, at least what people expected of them.

Their salesmen would canvas the country promoting the company’s selection. the phrase  “If you can’t find it, try Hammacher Schlemmer” became popular. They were even among the first 271 subscribers listed in the first New York City telephone directory.  Can you imagine?  We were lucky enough to be sent the 6′ Pop-Up Poinsettia Tree and I have never been happier with a tree. 

The tree is completely flat when you take it out of the box. 

There are also two poles, a base, and the feet(which I forgot to put int he picture.) Putting together is a breeze really.  You attach the feet to base and then slide the poles into the base. The poles connect together. 

My uncle is attempting to locate the middle of the tree where you see that hole. It is so he can side it down on the poles.

He was the only one tall enough to slide the tree down without any issues. I’m super short so I would of had to get a chair in order to do it. That or I would have pulled it over. All you do is slide the tree down. 

It is like slipping on a dress. Did I mention the tree is already lighted and has poinsettias on it as decorations? There is nothing to do with this thing. 

I did have to straighten a few things but that was all. There is not a topper on here and I took the pictures before we bought one. This morning we bought a star to go on the top while we were out. I do still have to buy a skirt but once the presents are under there you don’t notice.

I know that because we found some bags and boxes, filled them with newspaper and put them around the tree for the pictures. After this morning and all of the shopping it looks a bit different but it still looks just as beautiful.

The above picture is with all of the lights off in the living room. It is rather dark but I love all the lights on the tree. 

I pulled back a little so that you could get the full effect of the tree. I think it looks perfect.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Normally putting a tree together is a long process. Especially when you are color blind like I am. Having to hunt down all the brown branches that then the white branches is difficult. You know those like colors they put on the end?  Hammacher Schlemmer made this the easiest process ever. I am thrilled by their entire catalog and can guarantee that I will be checking them out again and again. 

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