Holiday memories are what it’s all about. I vaguely remember when I was three years old, and my dad took me to cut down our Christmas tree. It was just the two of us. We climbed as high as we could go and cut down the biggest tree we could find. But he neglected to think of how we would get back down. He claims he carried me, the tree, and the saw all the way down the “mountain.” I’m sure with 30+ years, the story has grown, but it’s one of my favorites.
I’m lucky to continue those traditions with my own children and create new memories every year. The Sunday after each Thanksgiving, we go to our favorite local tree farm and hunt for the perfect Christmas tree.
With everything we do in life, we try to keep it real.
Finding the perfect tree is always an adventure and a challenge. The scent of fresh pine can instantly bring a smile to my face. Of course, we all want to be the first to spot the best one. We always head straight for the Fraiser Fur (there are 18 different species to choose from). The branches are strong enough to hold our precious ornaments, especially those the kids make at school.
Real Christmas trees are a good choice for the environment, too.
With three kids, they all run off in different directions. They love to notice the different sizes and stages of growth for each tree. Real Christmas trees are grown to be harvested, and for every tree cut down, another is planted in its place. They are biodegradable, and they can be recycled or reused for mulch. Each year we end in a similar spot, and each year we choose a bigger and fatter tree.
Luckily my husband has perfected his method of cutting down the tree, which entails a lot of yelling, heavy breathing, and laughing. The kids love to help, wrapping up the tree in a tarp to carry it back down to the car. Every year, we realize just how far we actually walk.
Real Christmas trees can help end a tough year with good memories.
This year, more than ever before, we are looking forward to continuing with this family tradition. It seems like everything else this year has been canceled. School, sports, vacations, parties, you name it, and it’s been crossed off our calendar. But now that the holidays are approaching, there seems to be a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel.
I’m ready to end this difficult year with happy memories. We might not get to celebrate with extended family, but maintaining a sense of normalcy is so important. Waking up each morning with a hot cup of coffee, the fragrant scent of pine needles, and the twinkling lights on the tree is something we can hold on to.
Also, buying a real Christmas tree is a way to support farmers as well as local businesses, organizations, and workers.
But most of all, cutting down a real Christmas tree is a holiday experience that means so much more than any gifts we will receive.
Visit ItsChristmasKeepitReal.com to learn more.
Enter your zip code to find a real Christmas tree near you. Their interactive map and search filters can help you find a real Christmas tree no matter where you live and like to shop.
Don’t want to go out to shop? You can buy a real Christmas tree online. You can use their visual tree guide for a close-up look at the 20 most popular types of real Christmas trees.
