Shopping for a Christmas Tree

Every year it’s the same story.  We go to the Christmas tree farm and wander around for almost 2 hours debating, arguing, comparing, etc. about every tree on the farm. (Okay it’s not really every tree, but it feels like it by the end!). Some years I am fooled into believing it really will be different.  This year was one of those years.  Ten minutes into the hunt, we decided finding a tree to cut down this year was not going to be an option. The drought has taken a toll both this year and last year.  Since we immediately decide we will have to look at the already cut trees, I think this will be so much easier than usual.  Ha!  We still have to look at all of the “real” trees for Zachary’s benefit.  Zach hates getting an already cut tree.  Then we have Mikko (our 6-year old yellow lab) with us, who wants to browse.  Of course, we have to take some pictures.  We make it to the already cut trees about thirty minutes into it.  My Dad proceeds to tell Zach that if he can’t cut down a tree, he should at least be able to pick the most expensive cut tree. (Thanks Dad~).  We then bounce back and forth between the two sections of trees.  We pull trees out and compare them to other trees.   Zach and my Dad stage a protest over a very big, round tree that we all loved, but would have required us moving all the living room furniture into the basement. (No Zach that is not an option!).  Austin informs him if he is going to stage a real protest, he must tie himself to the tree with the cable that is dangling!  Yikes.  After much debate, Austin finds two trees we like.  We compare and pick one that is a little smaller than we normally get, but is very pretty and is green enough for Zach. (He is color-blind with certain colors and some of the greens were too blue).  Then Todd decides to make sure, so he & Zach proceed to look at every single cut tree (this time it really was every tree) to make sure we are all going to be happy when we get home.  All the while my Dad is pointing out trees costing $125 (for a tree?), or trees that are bigger around, or taller-just to make things interesting.  He also enjoys reminding me that he and Mom already have all of their Christmas decor put out. (They went over to the dark side a couple of years ago and got artificial trees).  They just go with us to pick out our tree because they enjoy the show we always put on.  It also reminds them of how they behaved and makes them grateful to have fake trees!!!

We pay for our tree and head home.  It makes us crazy to go and pick out a Christmas tree.  But I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.  It’s a tradition we have handed down to our boys, and the memories are priceless.  One day I plan to wander the tree farm with my boys and their families.  Then it will be my turn to laugh!