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Hey Aunty Pam,

It’s that time of year again. I’ve written to you before and am writing again because my husband and I are having our annual fight over the Christmas tree.
Larry’s hero was Dale Earnhardt, and ever since he was killed in that wreck, Larry has hung a Dale Earnhardt ornament on our tree. It’s the number 3 car in a cloud, like Dale’s driving it to heaven. Larry says it ain’t Christmas till Dale’s on the tree.
I think it looks tacky and does not go with my burgundy and gold ornaments. I try to hide it, but Larry finds it and puts it front and center.
The last time I wrote to you, you said to get two trees so we each have one, but trees are so expensive that we can only afford one. What can I do? I hate that “Dale in the Clouds” car. It has nothing to do with Christmas!
Marianne

Dear Marianne,

OK, if we’re going down that short track that “Dale in the Clouds” has nothing to do with Christmas, then Aunty Pam regrets to inform you that neither does a tree, actually.
It’s a holdover from pagan traditions, along with the rest of the plastic greenery we wrap around our homes to represent fertility, ward off bad spirits, and celebrate the return of light during the winter solstice.
What does actually represent Christmas is kindness, patience, forgiveness, and joy.
Let the guy have Dale in the Clouds.

Cheers, dears!!
Aunty Pam