We have gone a few times to cut down our own Christmas tree. It’s fun and our little girl enjoyed it. Lately, we have been purchasing from a local store. But, now’s the time to pick back up on that. I want to create a family tradition that I know both of my children will enjoy. So, this year, we will make the trip to a local Christmas tree farm and pick one of our own. The farms usually provide the saw, but you must provide the energy and strength to cut it down. Many tree farms also shake, bale and load your tree for you and the string to securely fasten it, too. Which is great, because after DAD … hint, hint … has finished cutting the tree down, he’s probably going to be pooped! Oh, and you do have to get it back to your car or the Farm’s check out area.
If I recall correctly, you might have to wander pretty far back into the farm to get the biggest, fullest trees. Usually the ones up front are new and small because that’s where most people want to cut down their tree so they don’t have to haul it back to the front. LOL! I think most farms provide a wagon of some sort, too. Better check on that.
Also, while it’s fun picking out a tree and all, why not play a little game of hide and seek. But, don’t get to far from your kids. We don’t want anyone getting lost. This is the most fun for older children who can find their way back or listen for you and find out where you are. Oh, and watch out for those stumps! You’ll see where others have cut down their own tree, too. So be sure to keep a lookout so you don’t trip and fall.
So, whether you love your fake, pre-lit tree or shopping for a pre-cut one, I believe you should at least give the Christmas tree farms a chance once in a while. You’ll be surprised at how happy you’ll be. Oh, and they smell great, too, well … at least to me!
While you’re all into starting a tradition and everything, here’s another one for you. After you cut down that pretty, live tree, cut off about a one-inch thick circle from the trunk. Then take that and have have a hole drilled into it and paint it with the year you got that tree. You can start a collection of these and possibly use them for decorations of some sort.