Bull pine

 

Bull pine

      Once more a simple holiday event that lingered for over half a century. Christmas was always a big deal for the Creasons and BC  was a little over the top in decorating. South Gate was one of the most enthusiastic cities in putting on displays with streets Annetta, Kaufman, Hunt and Bryson leading the way for lights and outdoor decor. BC, having worked in Automobile sales for years remembered the good feeling of the showroom during the holidays. Instead of getting the good old douglas fir or noble fir with ornaments and decorations collected over the years he insisted in buying a white flocked Bull Pine with only red balls with red ribbons tied at the top. The gaudy thing was illuminated by a rotating spotlight that made it change colors from pink to green to blue to yellow. The choice made our front room look like a showroom but had very little warmth or holiday cheer. The idea was a complete flop with the family but when the old man made an edict none dared to question him. Even though he was a kid Greg saw the Bull Pine as an bit of ostentatious foolishness. BC was always trying to rise above his perfectly respectable middle-class Gate neighbors and the Bull Pine was a monument to thinking above your station on Annetta avenue.