Alice enjoyed decorating her tree every year.  When she was younger, it would almost be an afterthought at home.  The only time her mother would have a tree would be if there was a photo shoot planned.  And then it would be brought in and decorated by some professional decorator.  Her couple school-made ornaments never made the cut to be on the tree.  But Alice had them now.  The few of them were joined by the others she had collected over the years.  

It was the usual small tree this year – although the tree had shown less and less green over the years as new ornaments have been added.  Alice had high hopes that future years would feature a larger tree and be more boisterous with kids running around.  She wouldn’t mind giving up her quiet contemplation if it meant family being around.  And it would give her someone to tell the stories to…

The first ornament was from Shane.  Shane gave her so much shit when she brought home the scraggly little table-top tree so many years ago.  Alice just wanted something live and that smell of pine over the holidays.  She could still recall the scruffy girl handing her the poorly wrapped present that first year after they met.  It was just a generic ornament, but, something Alice treasured for the amazing friendship that they formed over the years.  She could recall that night fondly.  The tree had a small string of lights and the few ornaments.  They popped popcorn and made a garland.  But they got the munchies later and ended up eating it.  It was still a beautiful tree.  And a beautiful time with a dear friend.

Alice felt she was the epitome of someone who doesn’t understand art, but, knows what she likes.  She did not regret her relationship with Bette and the fact that the other woman tried so hard to give Alice some appreciation of the art they would go see.  In that short period that she and Bette dated, Alice had picked out the multicolored ornament from a show they attended.  Even Bette approved.  She felt it might be valuable one day.  It was.  It reminded her of some very happy times.

She gave a rueful smile at the next ornament.  It was a tennis racket.  Dana gave it to her the first Christmas after they met.  It was one of those gifts that you give someone you recently met and you don’t want to be too personal, but, don’t want to be too generic.  Alice thought it was perfect.  Dana had already claimed a corner of her heart by that time and the small gesture made the corner even larger.