Trimming a tree
Every family does their Christmas tree shopping a little differently. Some people like tall trees, some people like short fat trees and other people like to find the saddest little tree they can and bring it home. Some families go to tree lots, tree farms, out in the woods, nurseries or even the grocery store. When Cameron and I were dating we selected our tree based on price, ease and convenience. We found the best looking tree the closest to Cameron's apartment and walked it home. Once we were married we continued this tradition for several years until we moved to a different place. That year, the closest place with trees for sale was Home Depot and once again we continued the tradition of walking our tree home. The following year we lived in a condo which was located near our local nursery and for a couple years we walked our tree home, shoved it in the elevator, took it for a ride up six floors to our place leaving a trail of pine needles as we went. Once we were in our house for the first time in our life we drove our tree home. After moving into our new home last year we decided to keep things simple and selected a tree we could easily put in the back of our car. Even though our beloved nursery delivers there is something so gratifying in selecting a tree, bringing it home and decorating it in one evening. Over the years, our Christmas trees keep getting smaller and smaller, but I think that is in large part because we are partial to the small and slightly chubby type. This year since we will be out of town for Christmas we decided to forgo getting a tree, but the Christmas spirit and one enthusiastic little boy quickly changed my mind about that.
My favorite part about purchasing our tree from our local nursery is that they are fresh and when it comes to living things they know to treat them right. The tree we selected had just come in the day before and although it was one of our smallest trees it ended up being our most thirsty tree.
They key to a happy boy is LOTS and LOTS of snacks. Jasper is a big fan of dried cranberries so I have quickly figured out I can load up his pockets with cranberries and he can snack at his leisure while we are out. The only tricky part is remembering to pull the leftovers out before his clothes go in the wash, but I can think of worse things to be in my washing machine then dried cranberries.
Every year I tell myself I want a living tree, but every year the weight of those tree's roots make me change my mind. I worry about trying to wrestle that tree up a flight of stairs and that kind of takes the fun out of a Christmas tree being a simple task.
Rather than walk our tree home we walked our tree to the car on this little wagon. The wagon was equally if not more thrilling than the tree itself.
Selecting a tree which Jasper could manage was key to it being a fun experience for him.
Watching the chainsaw make fresh cuts on the trees really thrilled Jasper, but unfortunately our tree only required a small saw. Still messy, so still exciting!!
During the holidays it is so important for us to pick our priorities. Although a tree was not a priority this year, we were still able to end up with a wonderful little tree which has filled our home with warmth and festive cheer all month long.
