Oh Christmas Tree

Getting a fresh cut Christmas tree has become one of our family's favorite holiday traditions. It's kind of funny though as neither my husband or I grew up with a fresh cut tree. Sure we had the occasional real tree. But in my home I remember dragging the large box that contained the tree up from the depth's of the basement and spending hours trying to find all the right holes for the right branches. Then we'd fluff , bend and twist each branch trying to give the appearance of a real tree. In fact for the first few years of our marriage we used an artificial tree. In some ways I preferred it. I could put it up when I was ready instead of waiting for a day when we could all make at trek out to the tree farm, it didn't leave needles all over the floor, I didn't have to water it, and when it was time to take it down it was pretty quick and easy. But one year we decided that we wanted a real tree and after we had done it once we couldn't go back.

I'd like to paint you picture of a family of seven that merrily packs into the car with smiles on each face and Christmas carols on our lips as we make the 30 minute drive to the tree farm. All getting out with kind and caring words to one another excited to share in the process of choosing the perfect tree. Our family strolling through the lot laughing and joking with one another as we discuss the pros and cons of each tree before choosing the one that will look just right in the family room adorned with the family's collection of ornaments and lights. Father and son working together to cut the tree and load it on the cart. And of course the merry ride home as we all chat about Christmas memories and plans for the next few weeks. I'd like to paint that picture but that wouldn't really be fair. As much as we enjoy our tradition it is not without it's challenges. Of course what adventure with seven people is.

This year started out much the same as always. A thirty minute search for hats, gloves, and appropriate outerwear. Amazingly even though we had all those items just yesterday it still took a while to locate them. Once we were finally loaded the car ride was rather dull. (Nope no singing of carols.) We arrived at the lot and as always there was a little crying and pushing as everyone tried to get out of the car at the same time. Not because they were overly excited about the tree but that's just the way they always get out of the car.


We gathered our crew, picked up a saw and a cart and headed into the somewhat barren lot of trees. (We were a weekend later than usual so the farm was a bit picked over.) As Roy , K, B, and I discussed the few trees left, C used the cart to drag the little ones around occasionally being helped by the oldest two. This is where the third line form the picture above actually works. It only took us about 20 min to decide on a tree, which is quite a record for us. We've been known to be out in the lot for an hour or more. But with limited selection and the kids behaving well it was an easy decision. We took our traditional picture in front of the tree and then cut it down. B pulled the tree up to the main part of the farm and waited in line for it to be shaken and wrapped. As he and Roy stood in line I took the K, C, and the younger two to the barn to pet the sheep and llama. Lil B and Lil K desperately wanted to feed the animals but as I had no purse with me so there was not a quarter to be had. I left K there with the others and went to see if Roy had a quarter or two. Now up to this point I know your thinking what kind of challenges have you had, well here it comes.

When I got to the line I found B by himself. Roy had gone pay and since we were the next up to have our tree prepared for the drive home I decided to wait for a moment to make sure B didn't agree to anything with extra charges. After the tree was taken care of we walked back over to the barn and I instantly noticed that Lil B wasn't there. I quickly asked K where he was and she thought he had been with me. I gathered everyone up trying not to get panicky (but not doing very well) and told them to wait together while I looked. As I began looking Roy returned from the cashier and I told him Lil B was missing. We both began to search. There were so many places for him to be, so many people around I wondered if they would notice a little 3yr old boy wandering on his own and I suddenly couldn't remember what his coat looked like. As I rushed around trying to think of where he might have gone, what might have caught his attention I suddenly heard B yell, "There he is!" As I turned around I saw him walking out from around the little shed where the cashier is. The kids and I ran to him. I scooped him up and asked what he was doing. With a tear in his eye he said :"I wanted to see if Daddy had a quarter." Just then Roy walked up. Thankfully he had a couple of quarters. We fed the animals, loaded up the kids and the tree and headed home. It took almost 20 min for me to finally relax from the 5 min I didn't know where Lil B was.


The rest of the trip was uneventful. Except of course for the "pullover" you know when you have to actually pull over and get out of the car to explain to you children what "keep your hands to yourself means". In the end we have another beautiful tree and more memories for the kids pack away and share with their children. My hope is that these trips to get our trees will be events they look back on with fondness and not as a dreaded event their parents forced them into each year.

Lil B safely in the car

The Tree

Tradition