C is for Christmas Tree

I'm dreaming of a Green Christmas...I could wax philosophical about the benefits of the presence of a real tree-living or cut--in our home for Christmas. But rather than bore you with all my personal sentiments, I'd like to use the season of the festivals of lights to illuminate the tangible benefits of bringing a real tree into our home. Instead of supporting our economy and local Crop Christmas tree growers who work here in Central Oregon, this year, the kids, dh, and I decided to start a family tradition of going out and cutting down our own Christmas tree. We want our tree fresh, organic without pesticides and fertilizers, and last much longer than one bought at a tree lot!

So we put on some warm cloths and mittens, tossed the tree saw and cordless trimmer, borrowed from our friend Jenn, in the back of th station wagon (without stud tires or chains.) We first got a $5 permit at Joe's and then headed off 30 miles away from home to McKenzie Pass through Sisters late this afternoon.

Yes, there are tree farms where we can cut our own tree, but that’s not what I'm talking about. I’m talking about the real thing: getting out into a real forest and searching for our perfect Christmas tree.



The perfect Christmas tree was an image each of us held in our minds and dreams. The tree had to be about six feet tall, a Douglas Fir with a perfect taper and very bushy with no bare spots.
Upon arrival, there was a van parked in front of the locked gate with a mom sitting with her son sound asleep. Her husband and kids were out searching for their tree. Well...DS insisted on staying behind because he didn't dress appropriately--"I don't have the right shoes or pants," he said. Naturally, I remained with him.
There were a couple of inches of snow on the ground that made the forest almost magical; which added to a great sense of adventure.


It didn't take them long to find a tree (not too far off the trail.) The girls helped saw it down, and
dh carried it back single-handedly to the van as it was surprisingly light.

They were back just as darkness came upon us. It's not the tree I imagined. But, the girls and dh chose it carefully for our home. This tree (not sure what fir it is yet) was about 9' and proportionally spaced so minimal trimming is required (dh had to cut the top off by about 1.5 feet, with tree stand, in order to get it in the house.)

We did not get the biggest/fullest tree out in the wood so we may feel we get our money's worth; but, this is a perfect tree. Just look. Visit here for a collection of our Christmas tree adventure in pictures.

There's nothing like cutting your own tree for Christmas in the forest and get you in the holiday spirit. It was great fun, exercise, and a chance to enjoy the fresh air. This "je ne sais quoi" is part of the magic of the evergreen, which reminds me that the sun will return next season to coax forth our garden once again. Leave the plastic on the shelves, and go get your hands dirty!


While I was surfing the net to find out the type of fir we have, I came across this interesting site. I am a Rowan~~The Sensitivity, Full of charm, cheerful, gifted, without egoism, likes to draw Attention, loves life, motion, unrest and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive. What kind of tree are you?

Phew! I'm exhausted after a long day of hopping around town (Tower Theatre for Sunday Holiday Special Event, Target, Joe's, Cutting Trees, and Michaels;) plus I am still under the weather with runny nose and possible sinus infection. Decorating will have to wait 'til tomorrow.