Mardi Gras trees are exactly what you think they are: A Christmas tree decked out with Mardi Gras decorations. The exact history of the origin of Mardi Gras trees is a little fuzzy.

According to Campbell, the Mardi Gras tree concept got started when someone removed all of their Christmas tree ornaments but kept the artificial tree up. The reason is a mystery.

The Mardi Gras Store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with after-hours visits available by calling ahead to the office for an appointment.

Mardi Gras starts on Jan. 6, Epiphany or Kings Day, and lasts until the very last minute of Fat Tuesday (this year Feb. 13). So instead of clutching my pearls, I’m grabbing my beads.