When I was younger my mom was a tree nazi and she insisted we decorate with noodles, paper machete, and whatever school projects would fit between the branches. I thought it was so tacky but when I'd complain about the ugly tree and ask if we could have one like in the magazines she'd say, "No, when you grow up and have your own house then you can decorate your own damn tree."
Well, I'm all grown up and now I have my own damn tree. Thanks for the hobby dollars guys! At least you know they were spent wisely!