For the first time in a couple of years, we decided to get a Christmas tree. I am really glad that we did. I tend to get overwhelmed by holiday stress: the big pile of grading and other end of the semester duties on top of all the rest just wears me down. I really don't like grinching out, so we made a plan.
Adam was in favor of trying for a more unified look with a color scheme. I agreed, checked our "stockpile" and then had fun supplementing the ornament and light collection. This year I went with blues, white, and silver. With the accoutrements ready to go, all we were missing was the tree itself.
On Friday we ventured out to a local tree farm: Cassen's trees. I got out the GPS, we went to the ATM and I settled myself in for a long drive...which turned out to last maybe five minutes. Seriously, I need to get a better sense of my surroundings. I thought that a tree farm would have to be out in the boondocks. Apparently I forgot that we basically live in them already.
Once we arrived we got down to business. After sizing up a couple of candidates, we went with a Scotch Pine. I wanted something full with relatively sturdy branches. According to the owner of the farm, we got a particularly good specimen. I believe he said that most of them don't turn out this way. I'd say it was grower's pride, but he gets the pines from a neighboring farm. All I really cared about was that the tree looked good to me.
The bonus part is that the tree was cheaper than the firs. That worked out in our favor because we ended up buying a tree stand from him too. That was an excellent purchase because he centered it and then bored a hole in the trunk. All we had to do after that was pound it on the stand's spike...instead of fiddling around with screws and all that nonsense. It made things much easier. Adam enjoyed the chainsaw, drill, the baler, and all the tools. I stayed well away from the action. I was perfectly happy to let them take care of all the tree wrangling.
Overall the experience couldn't have been much better for me. We were the only people there (love that!) and the owner was helpful, personable, and not pushy at all. I think that we got a lovely tree and got to support a local farmer too. I count it as a full win.
Once we got it home and Adam set it up, my job began. I strung the lights...and as usual I wish that I had a few more strings. I really like a lot of lights on my tree. I had some difficulty with the garlands, but finally embraced the imperfection. The ornaments weren't an issue and I am pleased with how they look. I had a good time decorating and listening to music. I just put the iTunes on shuffle and let it go. It started with R.E.M's "Radio Free Europe" and when I finished, The Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil" was playing. It may not be traditional holiday music, but it worked for me. All that needed to be done after that was the top ornament. I left it for Adam. I thought he should get to participate and I am not tall enough (nor did I want to be in charge of any pruning that needed to be done).
The tree has certainly helped me get into the holiday spirit. Getting a real tree is still a relatively novel experience for me. We always had a fake tree (allergies). My memories of Christmas trees are of seeing the big box getting hauled out and then waiting for the assembly. When I was older I could help sort through the branches and then fix them to the trunk. That was kind of fun and I guess you lose the puzzle game with a real tree. Decorating the tree was just as fun and I must admit that the absence of sap and needle pricks on my hands is a point for the artificial side.
Overall, I do like having a real tree. I am guessing that having to keep on top of shedding needles and watering may be a bit of a chore, but it is worth it. There really is something special about having the natural tree that I really take to. It doesn't hurt that the first snows have fallen and the greenery is very welcome. I think that Adam is enjoying it too, especially the scent..."smells like Christmas."
I keep going into the front room to just hang out by the tree. I am thinking that mulled wine or some hot chocolate will be next on the list. Happy holidays, here I come!
