I spent six hours decorating my Christmas tree but trolls say it’s the worst they’ve seen – they’re just jealous
IGNORING comments from social media trolls was not an option for a mother who spent six hours decorating her Christmas tree.
Joanne Rayworth was hurt by “spiteful” words after posting a photo of her festive decor on Facebook.
Joanne, from Fleetwood near Blackpool, has been sharing her Christmas decorations online for years.
However, this was the first time she became the target of online trolls.
“If someone does not like my tree yes that is fine,” she told Mail Online.
“They are entitled to their opinion.
“But to describe it as tacky and cheap is just wrong. I tried not to lose my temper because some of the comments made me very angry.
“One person said it was the worst tree she had ever seen. Really? That was just spiteful and hurt.”
Photos showed her Christmas tree adorned with metallic blue, pink, and silver artificial foliage and trinkets.
Over 11,000 people liked the Facebook post but the “nasty” minority of critics stood out to Joanne.
Among them were people arguing the decorations weren’t “traditional enough,” and that it’s “bad luck” to put up a Christmas tree before December.
“It’s screaming live laugh love,” one person said.
“Doesn’t look Christmasy at all,” another quipped.
However, other responses to the viral post attempted to express their opinion without being as harsh.
“Don’t see Christmas when I look at this at all, but it is pretty,” a commenter wrote.
“Lovely colours, but it doesn’t represent Christmas in my eyes. I’m more traditional,” a second said.
A commenter defended Joanne by describing her Christmas tree as “the best,” while another said it was “beautiful.”
Is it too early for Christmas?
Some say it’s never too early for Christmas, and there are many reasons why.
For example, decorating your home can improve your mood by release dopamine, the feel-good hormone in your brain.
If you’re an early-bird shopper, shops stocking Christmas items may help you prepare, and cut the cost across several months.
You can also look out for bargains across several shopping events – for example, end of summer sale’s or Black Friday.
One of the best things about the festive season is eating lots of delicious seasonal meals and treats – enjoying your favourite beverages and tipples.
Joanne, who works at a homeware store that sells decorations, spent £150 on items for her Christmas tree and wreaths to match.
She enjoys experimenting with colour and different styles regardless of whether her co-workers laugh.
She confessed to hating taking down her festive decorations.
“A lot were saying [it was] Easter colours. Don’t tempt me because I will keep it up til Easter,” she joked.
Joanne said “nobody will spoil” Christmas for her and she’s excited to be cooking for her son and his partner this year.