Started By
Message

TulaneLSU's Christmas Pilgrimage XVI: Top 10 Lowe's, J.C. Penney's, Target

Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:10 pm
Posted by TulaneLSU
Member since Aug 2003
Member since Dec 2007
13298 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:10 pm
Merry, beautiful, and wonderful gentlemen and ladies, my closest friends,

I will refrain from a prolegomena in this chapter, as this paragraph will suffice. The moral lessons, stories, and historical lessons all appear within the top 10 list. I hope you will enjoy them and use that knowledge to better the lives of those you love and perhaps do not love. May you experience them with the same spirit in which they were written: that of love and affection.

A brief point for my beloved readers: you are voracious in your appetites for photos and words. I am able through my image hosting service to see how many views the photos are receiving. Almost all are receiving five figures of views, so thank you. Your clicks, positive words, and love are the fuel I need to finish this race. Sadly, though, we are approaching the completion of our journey together. We do have much joy still ahead. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Due to the overflowing top 10 lists that exist, I am having to consolidate some of my lists. Today, I’ve had to consolidate three stores, as below. It’s not that these stores each do not have ten worthy decorations; it’s that there aren’t enough days in Advent to explore them all. Such grace is this world!

TulaneLSU’s Top 10 Decorations J.C. Penney’s, Lowe’s, and Target

10. LED acrylic tree



I remember Miss Silver’s kindergarten class quite vividly. She would award the top student each week with a crystal prism. Awards were based on behavior, academic achievement, and adherence to the silence policy during nap time. It was the highlight of the week when Miss Silver made the announcement just before we were released to our parents. The prisms were beautiful, and to a child, might as well have been a twenty karat diamond. At the end of one particular week, I was self assured that I had made the marks to win. The announcement came and Miss Silver gave that relucent prize to David. What Miss Silver didn’t realize was that David, the class bully, had beaten up the class nerd, Nicky Elstown earlier in the week. I was irrationally incensed and hatched a plan that weekend which would become infamous in those school halls as the Prized Prism Peculation of 1991.

I told no one of my scheme. The following Monday we were watching The Letter People on the carted television. I asked to go to the bathroom, and moments after going to the bathroom, I ran back, and at the top of my lungs wailed, “There’s a dang cobra kang in the bathroom!” The entire classroom arose in a panic. Tears and screams erupted as children bumped into each other. It was mass hysteria. Miss Silver gathered and calmed the class and told them to follow her to the bathroom. While she did that, I stayed in the classroom and was able to liberate with a paperclip the lock’s latch from its confinement. Behold! The prisms, sparkling in the light like I had just opened Lafitte’s lost treasure box. With haste, I took four, as many as my small hand could grip, pretending the Fratellis were in close pursuit. I quietly joined the class at the bathroom moments later.

“TulaneLSU, what did you see?” she asked.
I responded, “A dang cobra kang.”
“But there isn’t anything here.”
“I must have scared him back down the toilet.”
Miss Silver let my explanation pass and we went back to learning our letters.

On Friday, I knew I had no chance at getting the top student award that week. My bathroom antics assured me of that. Miss Silver started the announcement with the news that her vault had been broken into and that no more awards would be handed out until the guilty party came forward.

Truth be told, my conscience was burning me through the continuance of my caper. I bashfully raised my hand and confessed to the crime of the year. I was severely punished in a way that today would be considered barbaric. Miss Silver confiscated my loot and I never received a prism.

I did receive the gift of insight, for it was at that age I realized my concupiscence. When a few years later I read Augustine’s Confessions the great prism peculation rushed to the forefront of my mind when on the page appeared these words, “What then was my sin at that age? Was it perhaps that I cried so greedily for those breasts? Certainly if I behaved like that now, greedy not for breasts, of course, but for food suitable to my age, I should provoke derision and be very properly rebuked. My behavior then was equally deserving of rebuke.” For me, it wasn’t breasts I so deceitfully lusted after -- it was a prism. But I knew I was no different from the greedy, sinful child Augustine.

I hadn’t thought of those prisms in several years before I saw this lovely acrylic LED tree at J.C. Penney’s. Its glimmering and glow transfixed me and transported me to that time when I lusted for the prism. Trust not, my dear friend, I did not fall to the temptation of larceny again.

9. Stockings



Aren’t these little guys from Target cute? The history of stocking use at Christmas is one that authentically may be connected to St. Nicholas. As we discussed in previous chapters, three daughters had no money for their dowry and were at risk of becoming prostitutes without it. Nicholas, in his great generosity, saved them by tossing gold coins at their house. The coins slipped through an open window and slid into their stockings, which were hanging over the fireplace to dry. The tradition has never been lost.

In our house, stockings always went up on the first day of Advent. They remained empty until Christmas Eve, when Santa or his elves stocked them with candy canes, oranges, and apples. We never received large gifts in our stockings, but I always loved opening my stocking. It was a hand-sewn silk and cotton stocking with my name on it. It was lost in the great floods or one of the thefts, and I miss it. We weren’t allowed to open any gifts until the stockings were emptied and Mother was satisfied that we were appropriately grateful for their contents. I know some of my classmates received large gifts in their stockings, and now, with gift cards ever-prevalent, quite a large exchange of goods can occur in those stockings. But for us, it was just the traditional fruits and candy canes. I miss the simplicity of those gifts.
This post was edited on 12/13/19 at 7:20 pm
Posted by TulaneLSU
Member since Aug 2003
Member since Dec 2007
13298 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:10 pm to
8. Wreath



The 1830s America saw the birth of the modern Christmas. Modern Santa, Christmas shopping, and the public celebration of the Christmas holy day flooded American culture in this decade. It was also the first decade for widespread use of wreaths in public. The earlier origins are clouded in possible pagan roots. I’ve yet to read any convincing texts that prove evergreen wreaths were used by the pagans as part of their Saturnalia celebration. Either way, Christians either invented the use or co-opted their use from the pagans as a way to celebrate the ever-living nature of those who are born in Christ, who is co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit.

I prefer wreaths that are handmade, and besides the one Trimsetter I have on our front door, all other wreaths are from the natural trimmings we get either at Lowe’s or Home Depot. If you kindly ask, they will give you them at no charge. Most Christmas tree lots offer the same courtesy, but I find fewer and fewer lots these days. I don’t know how to feel about this trend. Live trees are great, but I always felt guilty killing a living tree to keep it in my house for a month. They certainly aren’t cheap, especially the Fraser firs, which are superior to the Douglas variety. I also don’t like the alternative of plastic trees from China, as they’re bad for the environment and the American economy.

7. Christmas bedding



There is no such thing as a more inviting bed than a bed decked with Christmas pillows, sheets, and blankets! Smells and tastes are so evocative to some. For me, though, sights and sounds yank at my strings of memory stronger than gustatory and olfactory.

While recently browsing the aisles of this J.C. Penney’s I recalled one of my first memories with my first and only girlfriend. One of our first dates was at the old Lakeside Shopping Center theater, where Dick’s is today. I, being a nervous wreck, spoke all of ten words throughout the entire date. Owing to our shared affection of the great literary series, we saw The Baby-Sitter’s Club. I wanted to share an embrace with her, but I was far too timid and did not dare to initiate physical affections. Following the film, we walked through that strange Lakeside parking garage and entered Penney’s, where an old chocolate counter existed at the north entrance. Nothing untoward occurred during our time there -- we proceeded onward to share a cookie at best of the best, the Great American Cookie Company. We then made the turn westward and played with the pets at the old pet store near the side SW entrance. Isn’t it too bad malls no longer have pet stores? I miss seeing those adorable puppies and cats smiling at you through the window. Then our parents gathered us.

6. Plastic yard decorations



The last decade has seen the replacement of most hard plastic Christmas decorations with gauche synthetic fibers filled with air. I can understand why -- these rigid synthetics require scads of storage. We never had this sort of yard ornament, for Mother thought they were beneath us and our neighborhood. But I loved visiting Rummey in Metairie. There, at least half the decorated houses had this sort of yard jewelry. My favorite yard with these plastics was at the NE corner of W. Esplanade and Melody. One deceitful poster elsewhere claimed that the man who decorated had died and they had stopped decorating. This lie, which I didn’t realize at the time was a lie, inspired me to travel to that yard to see for myself. I am happy to report that the topography is covered in white plastics of various stages of degradation and yellowing. It’s a pleasant, refreshing view in a time of inflatable decorations.

Lowe’s has this limited assortment of plastic candy canes, Santa mailboxes, Noel candles, and nutcrackers. Unfortunately, there are no manger sets, which is my favorite of all the plastics. We’ve already delved into the history of candy canes, Santa, and nutcrackers. Let’s discuss Noel. It simply means birth. The word comes to English from the French, who borrowed from the Latin word, natalis, which simply means birth. With the common use of the hymn The First Noel, first published in 1822, the word became synonymous with Christmas.

5. Biracial nutcrackers



Penney’s has the best assortment of biracial nutcrackers and Santas in the New Orleans Metro. There isn’t a second close, even though Macy’s has the best black Santas, as discussed in the previous chapter. Nutcrackers became a decorative aspect of Christmas in Germany nearly 500 years ago. Their popularity spread throughout Europe after 1892 when the great composer Peter Tchaikovsky adapted E.T.A Hoffman’s great story, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” Perhaps the only positive of war is the cultural diffusion that occurs as a result -- and this was so after World War II. U.S. troops seeking tokens and souvenirs from the Continent often brought home with them handcrafted nutcrackers. Nutcrackers were the first play/movie action figures for sale, and they were a hit! As Tchaikovsky’s musical became a part of the American Christmas, so too did the ornamental nutcrackers. Originally, all were made in Germany. In the 50s and 60s, American companies produced them. The Tawainese became the primary exporters to America in the 70s and 80s before being usurped by the increasingly cheap Chinese versions in the 90s and forward. Now over 95% of nutcrackers in America are produced in China. Shame.

Be sure to look for me at the Orpheum this weekend at the Nutcracker. I will be donning my finest Victorian garb, with top hat and cane in tow. I’d love to meet some of you and share, perhaps, a fine cup of tea after the production.
This post was edited on 12/13/19 at 7:21 pm
Posted by TulaneLSU
Member since Aug 2003
Member since Dec 2007
13298 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:10 pm to
4. Angel and star tree toppers



The OT has strong opinions about which is better: angel or star. Why not both? Or at least alternating. If you are buying one, Target surprisingly has a good selection of tree toppers. The ornament selection is quite paltry, but tree toppers are excellent.

3. Glitterdome lighted candle lamp



Apparently, Kige hates glitter. Kige also picks up items at Walmart and carelessly throws them on the ground without any consideration or regard for the workers who have to clean the mess of uncouth tatterdemalions. Certainly he is not an authority on taste and good manners.

This delightful little house ornament at Lowe’s harkens back to Dickens’ Christmas Carol, both the flame Cratchit used to warm himself in Stave One as well as the dying flame Scrooge saw with Marley’s Ghost. It would look glorious nestled on a window sill.

2. Lighted outdoor angel



As much as I enjoy the plastic yard ornaments, the new wire mesh figures with pretty, warm LED lights, usually by Phillips, have a superior aesthetic appeal. This worshipping angel reminds us of Luke 2 and can be found next to the garden section at Lowe’s.


1. Outdoor lighted wire mesh manger



I love manger scenes and this will not change. I would say it’s an unhealthy obsession, but is there a more beautiful religious image, or simply human image, than that of a loving and married family cares for their newborn? This is how life should be. It’s the perfect scene and no matter how many different sculptures or paintings or yard ornaments are crafted to illustrate that holy birth, I will never grow weary of it. It is bliss.


My dear friends, I do love each and every one of you. This weekend will be a mad rush of Christmas festivities: plays, afternoon tea, caroling, shopping, and, I hope, spreading joy to all. If I am unable to do a top 10 list tomorrow, please forgive me. I will do my best. I hope each of you has a splendid evening, with both hearth and home safe, warm, and loved.
This post was edited on 12/13/19 at 7:24 pm
Posted by Kcrad
Diamondhead
Member since Nov 2010
54849 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:11 pm to
First downvote.
Posted by SEClint
New Orleans, LA/Portland, OR
Member since Nov 2006
48769 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:12 pm to
3rd
Posted by East Coast Band
Member since Nov 2010
62762 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:12 pm to
Jc Penney's are in malls.
Ewwww.
Posted by jimbeam
University of LSU
Member since Oct 2011
75703 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:13 pm to
11a
Posted by Kcrad
Diamondhead
Member since Nov 2010
54849 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:14 pm to
Hey Mr. Autism Deluxe, I have a question concerning your nutcrackers. Which one would you recommend to use when cracking brazil nuts?
Posted by Viceroy_Fizzlebottom
Member since May 2019
275 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:14 pm to
4th...
Posted by TheArrogantCorndog
Highland Rd
Member since Sep 2009
14814 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:14 pm to
Momma always told me to find a jc penny's gal and marry her
Posted by tuptiger
Member since Jan 2008
4314 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:15 pm to
This a list of bad bowl bids?
Posted by Pedro
Geaux Hawks
Member since Jul 2008
33448 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:26 pm to
The true reason for the season has returned
Posted by LSU Coyote
Member since Sep 2007
53390 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:27 pm to
quote:

TulaneLSU

My SO says you are a bored husband forced to shop with your wife.

Whatever it is, I love the entertaining write ups.
Posted by LSU Coyote
Member since Sep 2007
53390 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:29 pm to
quote:

Awards were based on behavior, academic achievement, and adherence to the silence policy during nap time.


quote:

Apparently, Kige hates glitter. Kige also picks up items at Walmart and carelessly throws them on the ground without any consideration or regard for the workers who have to clean the mess of uncouth tatterdemalions. Certainly he is not an authority on taste and good manners.

This is why I read these fckking novels.

Better not gift Kige something with glitter. You caught that too?!
This post was edited on 12/13/19 at 7:51 pm
Posted by Kafka
I am the moral conscience of TD
Member since Jul 2007
141864 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:29 pm to
Congratulations on all your Droppie nominations
Posted by Parmen
Member since Apr 2016
18317 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:36 pm to
This dude literally drives around to creepily photographing decorations at all these stores, and is somehow convinced that people on this board want to read his reviews and rankings on this.

In spirit, I will say: We lost LucasP for this.
This post was edited on 12/13/19 at 7:39 pm
Posted by Ric Flair
Charlotte
Member since Oct 2005
13653 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:36 pm to
I predict people will be fighting for the TulaneLSU Christmas book at next year’s white elephant gift exchange (if it ever gets published).
Posted by upgrayedd
Lifting at Tobin's house
Member since Mar 2013
134860 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:37 pm to
He's like a severely autistic goldennugget
Posted by LSU Coyote
Member since Sep 2007
53390 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:39 pm to
quote:

This dude literally drives around, creepily photographing decorations at all this stores, and is somehow convinced that people on this board want to read his reviews and rankings on this.

Humor in the posts.

Guy cleverly places in gems.

I went from feeling disgust like Hitler looking at a Jew, to a super fan of these write ups.
Posted by Pedro
Geaux Hawks
Member since Jul 2008
33448 posts
Posted on 12/13/19 at 7:39 pm to
You watch your whore mouth, son
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 2Next pagelast page

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram