"And there's the man of the hour." She jumped up and reached out to run a finger over his beard. "Guess you did okay."

Ashe could recall how her mother's circle always wanted the bigger and better Christmas trees and decorations. Holiday parties who get togethers aligned with judging then partying as they sized each other up in some unspoken competition.

While she may not have appreciated her mother's lifestyle, she was definitely a go big or go home kinda gal and so that meant improving every year.

"No less than fifteen feet. We can tie the rope from the second floor balcony to make sure it's held proper. And I got some extra lights this year."