The idea of an upside down Christmas tree is almost heretical to some holiday celebrators, but at the same time the buzz is creating quite a discussion around the water coolers before this holiday season. For some, turning the historic and meaningful tree upside down is a lot like overturning a flag in disdain; it is just not something that should be done to something as worshipful as an evergreen tree. To others, however, it is just another way to fly in the face of the trends and create individual holiday traditions that are one of a kind.

Hammacher Schlemmer, the company responsible for the upside down tree, is having a pickle in itself in terms of just keeping the fantastic tree idea on the shelves. That’s right, regardless of the controversy over the inverted evergreen the trees are certainly flying off the shelves in records numbers. This might be even more surprising to detractors when the 599 dollars price tag is considered; quite a steep amount of money for an upside down tree.

Target, the retail giant, is even marketing their upside down trees as they “leave more room on the floor for gifts”. This gleeful touting of materialistic values is enough to make some holiday celebrators a little bit queasy; however it must be considered that we are now living in the age of the almighty dollar and, frankly, not much else. As Target prepares their next shipment of gift optimizing evergreens or fakes, we must consider the notion that perhaps Christmas as a real holiday has all but vanished into the silent night.

Ending The Controversy

Of course, there are always those that rally behind any controversial development in culture and feel the need to endlessly express their view to the masses as if it has precedence over good sense. This is generally the case with those unreasonable protests on items such as the upside down tree. To many, it will just be an upside down tree and not some symbol of ultimate rebellion; yes, Virginia, it really can be about fitting more gifts on the floor beneath the tree.

Of course, this materialistic notion of the holidays isn’t very encouraging to those searching for more meaning for the holiday season. For those people, I have a word of advice: create your own traditions. Establish traditions with your family that won’t rely on an upside down Christmas tree or any other notion of established society that will integrate money-orientated values into your family.