Trekking to the Forest for a Christmas Tree

Hello Friends and Loyal Readers! Thanks for dropping by today. I received a few emails asking if our Peacock Splendor Christmas Tree is real or artificial. It is most positively real, shaped by nature, and wonderfully fragrant. It is a great part of our holiday tradition to make the annual trek to the National Forest designated tree cutting area and select a most perfect specimen. Tall, but not too tall. Bushy, but not too full. Symmetrical but not too symmetrical. We are in search of the perfect tree and hope to find one that's a bit quirky with personality. Oh really, there aren't so many rules, perhaps better called guidelines than rules. Keeping all this in mind we set about the hunt and when we've found the winner? What a thrill! Think about it: thousands and thousands of trees from which to choose. There can only be one winner. 

The Forest Service encourages this tradition and has established guidelines to protect the forest and provide a positive tree gathering experience to be enjoyed by all who are fortunate to experience this nostalgic custom rapt with memory making moments. Jim and I found our perfect tree last week. This 20-year family tradition truly marks the start of our holiday season.

According to the Forest Service "Many families have a tradition of getting a permit then heading to their local national forest to pick out their perfect Christmas tree. Most national forests allow users to harvest trees for personal use firewood and Christmas trees, but you must first have a Forest Service-issued permit and you must follow specific guidelines, which can vary from forest to forest." US Forest Service

Under crystal clear skies Jim pulls the tree through the snow to bring home in the truck. There is less snow than normal in our forest this year which makes tree spotting and harvesting much easier than years when the snow is deep and passage is slow.

 

 Once we arrive home Jim sets the tree in a stand while KeepHerKitty and I prepare the lights, garland, and ornaments for decorating. Here KeepHer inspects the lights for defective bulbs.

 

From the moment the tree is placed in the living room until we bid farewell to O'tannenbaum KeepHer considers it her personal shelter and hiding place. Or perhaps she is just waiting for presents? Whatever her reason, doesn't she strike a picture-perfect pose?

To see our tree in full holiday glory: Peacock Splendor Christmas Tree

Thanks for visiting today! Do you have a holiday tree cutting traditon?