In Ireland they might speak English, but when Lucy-Anne and I were chatting about how we'd decorate for Christmas, we realized we were speaking two different languages. Oh the laughs. Apparently Irish and American traditions aren't as close as I would have thought.
We were discussing how we'd decorate the tree, what themes and colors we'd use and how we were both on a budget, when I mentioned that we could string popcorn. I must have sprouted another head because the look I got from Lucy-Anne was something else.
"Popcorn. You put popcorn on your tree." Burst of laughter.
"Yes."
"Popcorn. Do you just throw it on?"
"No, you string it - like a garland."
"How do you string popcorn?" A smirk appears on her face and I know she's going to loose it again.
"Well, you pop the corn kernels and string it with needle and thread. We usually do it while watching a Christmas movie. Some people string cranberries."
Another fit of hysterics, but she manages,"And what do you do, just nibble on the tree all December long? Yeah, well here we don't decorate our tree with the items from the fridge."
I figured I'd skip mentioning the cinnamon cookie ornaments. Why add wood to the fire. I knew I'd never live this down.
The following day we went out to purchase a tree and after some searching, found one at a lot in town. We squished it into her little European car, drove home and carried it into the living room (uh, sorry, sitting room). She was holding the tree up as I was screwing in the stand when I realized we'd forgotten something.
"Oh, we forgot to get a tree skirt."
Down went the tree and down went Lucy-Anne in another fit of laughter. This time I couldn't stop laughing either. If you think about it, the idea of a tree wearing a skirt is a little funny. It was a good few minutes before either of us could compose ourselves.
"I've never ever heard of a tree skirt before. We don't dress our trees or put food on them. Seriously, I'm starting to wonder what your trees look like. You'll have to have your sister or someone send a picture along because the mental image I have right now is nothing short of comical."
Good times!
