Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree
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It's that time of year again. Time for the annual family argument: real or fake, pine, spruce or fir, large or small, cut it or buy it? Although we mouth the words and make each case, there's really no question what the verdict will be. We dress warm,stop for some hot cider, and head out to the tree farm. We've done it for 22 years and there's no reason to stop now.
We've cut trees at a number of farms over the years but our favorite is Warren Homestead Frams at the north end of Carter Road and we've been going there for ten years. The trees are well groomed, there are lots of them, and we always find some tall enough for our taste.
Last Saturday was a near perfect day for cutting trees. Cold but not too cold, a high overcast which made for good photos, and about 3 inches of snow on the ground to give that White Christmas feeling. There were a dozen other families in the field which gave the day a festive feel.
Selecting a tree is a time honored ritual for our family. Mom and Dad start with the two foot trees which are easy to carry. Then we all take pity on the skinny, deformed trees and insist that they deserve a chance to shine. Then girls play the same part they've done since childhood and head for the big trees, which we all know is where we'll end up.
Finding the right size tree is a science. Dad stands by the tree with arm extended and the saw held as high as possible. Mom and the girls back up for a good view. The tree must be at leasta foot taller than the top of the extended saw. The final decision is not too difficult. There is a limited number of tall trees that look good.
With the selection made, the work begins. Everyone takes a turn with the saw. It's a chore because we want to get right down on the ground to get every inch of trunk. While some folks use a cart to get the tree out, we do it the old fashioned way and drag it over the snow (and it seems the big trees are always at the very far end of the field).
The climax of the day is bringing the tree into the house and seeing how tall it really is. Does it reach into the stair well? Is it too heavy to stand up. Is it too wide? Does it miss the ceiling fan? No problem... it's perfect. Now to find the decorations and test the lights. Say it one more time: THIS year we'll organize everything better when we take it down and put it away.
The end result is just what we all expected. A beautiful tree. We sit on the couch with Christmas carols playing softly and admire our work. We point out the hand made decorations from when the girls were little, and the few we still have from our own childhood.
Eventually we drift off to watch TV or read a book. The girls are doing laundry and homework before going back to college Sunday. But each time we walk through the front room we pause for a look, or to move an ornament to a better spot. For a short few weeks the front room is different, it's a magic place from another time.
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Stephen Kent |
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