Picking the Perfect Christmas Tree

We set out today as a family to get our Christmas tree.  We had all the kids and one girl that is like family.  We went to the same tree farm we have gone to for year.  They are local, Christian-owned, and they always treat us right.  We were the first this year to get our tree from them.  I was excited, even though we usually don't get a tree this early in the season.  However, having to coordinate schedules with all the kids events at Christmas led us to an earlier is better plan of action.


The weather was perfect for our little adventure.  It was cool, but the sun was shining bright and there was hardly a cloud in the sky.

The girls have so much fun picking the tree.  Usually there is a little arguing about which one is best.  This year the kids all seemed to agree pretty quickly.

With the way we examine our trees, you'd think we were experts of some kind.  Is the trunk straight?  Are the bristles soft or dry?  Are they pokey or not?

Daddy is the one who is ultimately makes the final decision on which tree we get.  He used to have a whole routine where he would find the perfect tree, do an Native American War Dance around the tree, and then cut it down himself.  Over the years the girls were a little embarrassed by his dance and he got began to enjoy someone cutting the tree down for him.  When we had to find a new tree farm, the one we choose has precut trees.  We still make a big deal of going and getting the tree.  There have been times when the weather made things challenging, but it is a tradition we stick by.

This picture above is so amazing.  My two youngest, Laura and Megan, holding hands walking through the trees.  It was Megan's first year going with to pick a tree.  The weather was so cold the last couple years that she had to stay home.

My step-daughter, Jasmine, always goes with us to get the tree.  We may have to split our time with her, but we do our best to make sure she is included as much as possible on family events.  She loves going to get the Christmas tree.  It is one of her favorite events of the Christmas season.  When she was little, daddy let her pick which tree to get a couple times.  She thought that was just the most wonderful treat.  She has never forgotten how special it made her feel.

The Little Tree Hugger   Megan liked the trees.  There was one tree that had very low branches and was soft.  She kept hugging it.  I could only laugh at her and take pictures of my little tree hugger.

We spent quite a bit of time wandering around the tree farm.  There was quite a big selection, and we wanted our tree to be perfect.

Personally, I think the girls just loved being outside in the sunshine and crisp air.  It was chilly, but this was the first time any of us could remember searching for a tree in weather that wasn't freezing.  None of do as well in the cold as we should for midwest dwellers.

This year at the tree farm was a very friendly puppy.  The girls began a game of fetch that lasted for nearly twenty minutes.

All in all, we had a great time getting our Christmas Tree this year.  I am so happy for the family time we had.  Some days, with everyone coming and going, it feels rare...

...But I got some wonderful pictures of my girls...

and the hubby.

Their smiling faces shining with the joy of a Christmas Tradition and memories made fill my heart with joy and thanksgiving.