at christmas, dad was ...

Funny, I wanted a pine tree this year as I thought it reminded me most of dad.
Ikea had only balsam fir's at the super cost of $20, so Fiona picked her fave and off we went. (Home Depot prices soared to over $40 each to start!)
Lorne and I were chatting and he said Dad was short needle and Mom was long needle.
What do YOU recall about christmas specialities and Dad?
stress aside ...
* guitar strap gift on Christmas Eve for Midnight Mass
* all being there to have the tree topped (on rotational basis of course)
* tree cutting expedition
* blue spot lights and house lites along the eaves

your turns!