Once we got the tree home from the tree farm and washed it off, it was time to bring it in, un-bale it, then decorate it. We all joined in on the fun!
Fetching the Christmas Tree — 2021
With all the closures this year, last Sunday we decided to head into the hills to the same tree farm we’d gone to in 2010 and 2011. And we would have, except for that one final wrong turn.1Hey, I blame Google Maps, as I’d entered the address and followed directions perfectly. But maybe I should credit fate.
We saw the sign for a tree farm and its “Reservations Required” addition. We had no reservations. So, we parked and Suzi, Melissa, and Oakley went to see if we could get a tree anyways. I don’t know how you could say no to that trio. “Let’s get you a Christmas tree” and a tag later and we were waiting to get our pictures taken with Santa.
Photos with Santa Because we had Mousse and Oakley with us, we couldn’t ride the wagon to the trees. No worries! After a short walk, we’d found our tree, right by the gravel road.
Ashley and Sebastian in front of our tree I headed back to confirm that they’d cut the tree for me (true!) and led two gentlemen back to our tree. They fired up a chainsaw, felled the tree, and hauled it thirty feet to the pickup spot.
Then we walked back to the bonfire to warm up, drink hot chocolate, and take more pictures while we waited for them to pick up, bale, and measure the tree.
Waiting for the tree When we were ready, another gentleman picked up our tree, balanced it on his head(!), and carried it to my car that way. He tossed it up, tied it down, and accepted my heartfelt gratitude.
We’d had all the fun of getting a tree and none of the work!
And here’s a map to help us find the place next year. ;-)
- 1Hey, I blame Google Maps, as I’d entered the address and followed directions perfectly. But maybe I should credit fate.
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Christmas Tree, 2020 edition
As is our tradition, we headed off into the hills to cut down our Christmas tree. The farm we’ve gone to the last few years is closed to U-cut this year, so we tried a different farm. After tramping through acres of too-short trees, we took a look at the trees they’d already cut. So that’s where all the good trees ended up!
We picked one out, had them bale it for us, loaded it up and took it home. A baled tree is so much easier to get on the car and into the house. Wow!
Later in the day, we put on the lights, ribbons, and ornaments. The angel needs a little work. Right now, it’s just a ring of lights around the top sprig.
Suzi put out all the stockings. When we put one up for the kids and dogs1Sorry cats — you don’t seem to make the cut. we have more than will fit on the mantle.
- 1Sorry cats — you don’t seem to make the cut.
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A decorated tree — 2019
We waited until Saturday evening to decorate our tree so all the kids could join in. And so did the dogs.
I don’t think we’ve ever decorated a tree this fast. Lights, angel, ribbons, and ornaments.
I love it!
Photo credit. Thanks to Ashley for taking the picture of Gilligan!
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Fetching the Christmas Tree — 2019
On Black Friday, we went and cut our Christmas trees. The sky was clear blue and it was a lot warmer than the cold night would have suggested. Certainly a lot warmer and dryer than last year.
As Ashley and Kevin joined us, we got two trees.1And rode in two cars. This was also the first time we’ve been joined by our granddogs, Mousse and Gilligan.
We went to the same place we’d been for the last few years.2The place we used to go to before is closed this year, waiting for their trees to get a little bigger. Apparently, this place will be closed next year. As long as you wanted an 8-foot noble, the selection was great. In fact, I found a tree next to the car where we parked that would have been absolutely wonderful. But as everyone knows, the quality of the tree and the enjoyment of the hunt varies directly with the distance walked in the search. So we literally walked all the way to the far side of the tree field and picked one on the perimeter. I think maybe it’s a hair over nine feet tall. And worth the hike. ;-)
Of course, we took the traditional family shots and the tree cutting shot. I tied the tree on top of the car, then Jamison and I got our traditional hot chocolates.
Photo credits. All photos except the one of Heather and Gilligan by Jamison.
- 1And rode in two cars.
- 2The place we used to go to before is closed this year, waiting for their trees to get a little bigger. Apparently, this place will be closed next year.
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Pioneer Courthouse Square Tree
Walking from the MAX to work, I noticed the tree reflecting on the Pioneer Courthouse Square bricks. We’re still looking forward to coming down sometime next week with the whole family.
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A decorated tree
After getting the tree home yesterday, we washed it, shook it, and left it outside to dry. Then we put it in a stand in a different corner of the room than usual. Lights, ribbons, candy canes, and an angel later, we paused to take it all in.
Mmm… It’s a little taller than we’d expected. Not a bad thing.
It might be time to get some presents.
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Fetching the Christmas Tree, 2018
We waited longer than usual to get our Christmas tree this year. Our preferred day is the Sunday after Thanksgiving. That didn’t work this year because of our family reunion. The next weekend we were in Salt Lake City. And Suzi worked last weekend.
So, today was the day, and it was perfect — if you like rain. Which we do. Or, it doesn’t stop us. Regardless, off we headed, to the same place we’ve gone the last two or three years. Being so late in the season, most of the tall trees were already taken. Allegedly, there were some taller trees if we walked a quarter-mile in that direction, back where we’d come from. We walked and then walked around some more, looking and getting wetter. And having fun. Way more fun than going to a lot and getting a tree already found and cut and staked up as though waiting to be found by us.
Back at the tree farm, the pickin’s were slim and so is our tree. But with decorations, it will be perfect, as is every Christmas tree.
Photo credits. Thanks to Jamison for taking pictures this year and giving me permission to post them. Suzi also took a few, which she shared on Instagram.
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Fetching the Christmas Tree, 2016
A week earlier than usual, our Christmas season has arrived–today we cut down our Christmas tree.1Btw, we had to find a new Christmas tree farm. We couldn’t verify that the one we’ve been going to the last 5-6 years was going to be open today. Heather found Sunny Day Tree Farm. Beautiful trees, great selection (even the 10-11 footers that we want), free hot chocolate, and they haul your tree to the parking lot for you. We’ll be back next year. After getting it home, we set it up. New LED lights were obtained and strung, traditional ribbons wrapped around, and memories in the form of ornaments suspended from its limbs.
Now, we’re watching Miracle on 34th Street,2The newer one, we’ll watch the older one later in the season? drinking hot chocolate, and eating peppermint ice cream. A longer Christmas season sounds like a win to me. :-)
- 1Btw, we had to find a new Christmas tree farm. We couldn’t verify that the one we’ve been going to the last 5-6 years was going to be open today. Heather found Sunny Day Tree Farm. Beautiful trees, great selection (even the 10-11 footers that we want), free hot chocolate, and they haul your tree to the parking lot for you. We’ll be back next year.
- 2The newer one, we’ll watch the older one later in the season?
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