O Christmas Tree

December 1, 2014 by jansenschmidt

Black Friday is probably the only day of the year I avoid shopping of any kind. I detest the crowds and the idea of “wasting” a day off fighting over parking spaces, pawing through tables of discounted goods, and standing in line for any reason. No. Thank. You.

I do, however, like to get out there early and pick out just the right Christmas tree. I love the sparkling dew on the aromatic branches. I enjoy the exhilaration of climbing the hills and valleys on either side of the farm we visit nearly every year. Eye-balling potential specimens from all angles looking for unacceptable flat spots or gaps.

But, when we find the perfect tree — our tree — I can’t stop the childish excitement that bubbles out. I clap my hands and grin from ear to ear as my husband crawls around on the ground looking for the perfect place to cut down our find.

The smell of fresh cut evergreen fills my nostrils, the oozing pitch sticks to my fingers, the prickly needles bite into my skin as we carry our perfect tree to the netting area.

Ah, Christmas — let the season of sparkling lights and magical moments begin!

Do you cut down your own tree? What’s your favorite part about tree hunting? Do you have a favorite kind of Christmas tree? I’m anxious to know dear readers.

Fun fact about me: I didn’t celebrate Christmas until I was in my early 20’s.

Word of the Day: Oology

Original post by Jansen Schmidt, November 2014. Photos courtesy Google Images.

Posted in blogging, Christmas, Family, friends, Holidays, Jansen Schmidt | Tagged Black Friday, Christmas traditions, Christmas tree farms, Christmas trees, cutting down Christmas tree, evergreens | 10 Comments

10 Responses

on December 1, 2014 at 9:23 am | Reply Jennette Marie Powell

I did the cut-your-own tree a few times, when I had my own apartment. It was fun, and they do smell good. I was cheap, however, and always got one with a flat or dead spot on one side, which then faced the wall. We stopped getting real ones after I married and moved into a house with husband and dog, because the dog kept drinking the tree’s water, even though her water bowl was never empty! Pretty sure the current dog would do the same.

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- on December 1, 2014 at 9:52 am | Reply jansenschmidt
  
  So you do the fake tree then? Hmmm. Hey, whatever works. Some of those artificial trees are really pretty.
  
  My dog would rather drink from a mud puddle outside than either of the 2 water dishes we have out for him (one inside, one out). Weird-o. Gotta love the pups!
  
  Thanks for visiting. Have a great week.
  
  Patricia
  
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on December 1, 2014 at 9:35 am | Reply cjburright

I leave the tree to hubby and daughter…and usually end up with a monster fir or noble fir tree that I somehow end up decorating (and undecorating) mostly by myself. How does that happen? I do love the fresh, outdoors smell, though.

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- on December 1, 2014 at 9:55 am | Reply jansenschmidt
  
  CJ – you make it sound like work, all that decorating. I love to put the ornaments on the tree. My husband usually puts the lights on, because he thinks “the little woman” doesn’t have the necessary skills required to do it I guess. I do, however, make him haul in all the boxes from our storage shed. I unpack everything and decorate then make him haul all the boxes back upstairs. That’s how he officially helps decorate.
  
  I’m not keen on the taking down part, but I still do it. All part of the holiday season.
  
  Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the fresh-cut tree smell while it lasts.
  
  Patricia
  
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on December 1, 2014 at 11:06 am | Reply Coleen Patrick

I’m smelling the evergreen, Patricia! Love that too. 🙂
Oology is a great word for this post, bc I really like birds and bird nest ornaments.
Oh and I also have a 20 yr period without Christmas.
Hope you’re having a great week. I bet your house smells awesome with your tree!!

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- on December 1, 2014 at 11:33 am | Reply jansenschmidt
  
  Hi Coleen and welcome to the Christmas season. I loved oology when I saw it in my trusty dictionary. Glad you found a connection.
  
  My house does smell like the outdoors. I wish it lasted for more than a few days though. Nothing quite like a fresh cut tree to bring on the holiday spirit.
  
  Thanks for stopping by. Have a great creative week.
  
  Patricia
  
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on December 1, 2014 at 12:08 pm | Reply suzannewvince

I live for this time of year. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas, and the tree means that the season has officially begun (for me). We usually cut ours down, too, but this year we bought a pre-cut tree. Must be pretty fresh because it smells wonderful! Wishing you the happiest season imaginable, Patricia! You deserve it.

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- on December 1, 2014 at 12:57 pm | Reply jansenschmidt
  
  Thank so much Suzanne and right back atcha. You’ve definitely had some hills to climb this year and I am so glad you climbed them like the mighty warrior goddess you are.
  
  Let the season begin!!
  
  Patricia
  
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on December 1, 2014 at 5:08 pm | Reply Jessica | Defining Wonderland

I LOVE this time of year! My family calls me the little elf because I go a bit nutty with the Christmas spirit. I am a fake tree fan myself, all pre-lit and ready to go in three pieces. Never did care too much for the needles that you can never seem to get rid of or the sticky sap that always seems to get on everything with the live trees. They do smell lovely though.

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- on December 1, 2014 at 5:10 pm | Reply jansenschmidt
  
  Jessica – I know exactly what you mean about the mess. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to scrape tree sap off of my ornaments. Yuck!
  
  But, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
  
  Thanks for visiting little elf. I’m glad I’m not the only one who revels in the magic of December.
  
  Patricia
  
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