Chapter 25: Oh Christmas Tree Summary and Analysis

Unexpectedly, the reader learns that this chapter takes place in May. The family still seeks candy from the Christmas tree that everyone refuses to take down. They continue to place the responsibility on everyone else.

Augusten flashes back to Christmas when he was 10 years old. His parents we still married, though unhappily so. Deidre, in a fit of mental instability and creativity, erects a huge, real fir in the living room. When Norman Burroughs complains about the presence of pin needles, Deidre drags the huge tree to the balcony and heaves it over the edge. Christmas trees do not hold happy significance for Augusten. The tree at the Finch household makes him feel sad.

Hope Finch claims that the tree should be Natalie's responsibility. In rage and retribution, Natalie move the tree to Hope's room...