Leave it to the Germans

Leave it to the Germans to develop a smart tree stand (they might be available in America, but I haven't seen them). Not only does the metal stand weigh a ton, and have a metal band that grips the tree once you pump the lever, the tree holder features a water gauge that tells you when the tree is thirsty.

I'm sure my enthusiasm for the tree stand is enhanced by our giddiness to be in a country that treasures a traditional Christmas. Not only did we have thousands of beautiful trees to chose from this evening, our final selection only cost $50. And that's not bad. Besides that, it will be nice to have a Christmas tree last more than five days as it's not stuck to a stump (like in Paris) but instead is swimming in water.