Choosing the Tree

Growing up, we always had a fake Christmas tree. I know some of you will say, 'oh gross. I could never have a fake tree!' Well, I'll tell ya - low maintenance, no needles, and once you deck it out with lights and a billion ornaments, you can barely tell the difference! Plus, it doesn't make the house smell like cat urine. [I have an extremely sensitive olfactory sense. The smell of fresh cut pine trees stays with me for days.]

A few years ago, my parents decided to add a real Christmas tree to their annual holiday decor. The fake tree does downstairs, with all of the multi colored lights and the ornaments that my sister and I made as kids in school. The real tree would be the elegant one; decorated with ribbon and coordinating Christmas balls, in the upstairs living room. Perfect.

So, on Thanksgiving weekend for the past few years, my sister and I have piled into the van with my parents and we all set out to pick out the perfect tree. This year, our husbands joined in on the adventure.









Bright blue skies and brilliant sunshine welcomed us, and reflected blindingly off the white snow. After driving up and down the rows, and walking around to inspect the trees up close and personal, we all made a unanimous decision on the perfect tree. Then, we each took a turn with the hand saw and helped cut it down.











These simple traditions become more and more important, the older I get. They create memories, strengthen bonds, and help us all get in the spirit of the season.

What are some of your family's favorite Christmas traditions?

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