is time of year, the focal point of Paul Billings and
John Hurley's cozy Smith Lake home is as clear as the
water in the postcard-like setting outside their living
room. Walk in the front door, and the Christmas tree
demands undivided attention.
at's not so unusual in many homes during the
holiday season. But in their home, the Christmas tree
is upside down. It doesn't hang upside down from the
ceiling. Instead, the tree is mounted on the floor. What
normally would be the top of the tree spreads out into a
stand. A big, fat Santa Claus rests on the bottom, er, top
of the tree.
ree years ago, when Billings and Hurley sold
their Birmingham condominium for the lake life, they
realized they would need a new, smaller Christmas tree
for a smaller home.
"We had never had a TV in our living room," Billings
says. "But at the lake, you have to have one because
people come and want to watch ballgames."
e need for wall space for a television, as well as the
premium on floor space, made them decide on an upside-
down Christmas tree, he says.
"You can turn that tree upside down and have a regular
Christmas tree," Billings says. "It works both ways."
Reactions to the tree range from " Where did you get
that idea? " to "Is it tied to the ceiling? " to "That tree is
so stunning."
Photo:
Phil
Free
5
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