For the kick-off of our Christmas season, the Saturday after Thanksgiving we venture into the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest with several of our friends to find and cut our Christmas tree. This has been a fun tradition. We make sure the ipod is loaded with Christmas music for the drive. We pack our snow gear in the back just in case we get lucky and may need it, then we head off singing Christmas carols.
Finding the tree becomes a game of "Marco-Polo." When we find a tree we like we plant one of the kids by it so we can find it again should we decide it is THE ONE. By the end of the hunt we have kids strung across the forest claiming it is their tree that needs to come to our home.
Following the cutting and tagging of the tree, we have a tailgate party. On the menu are chili dogs, grapes, chips, and hot chocolate. Mmmm, so good after trampling through the forest in the cold.
Then we find a safe spot for target practice and Eric and his friends bring out their guns. We all get a chance to shoot. We were blessed this year with great weather and even got a little taste of mountain snow. This is a wonderful way to start the season.
The following Monday for Family Home Evening we decorate the tree. I am not a froofy tree person. The traditional tree suits me fine. I love pulling out ornaments from years past and letting the flood of memories wash over me. The kids enjoy it too. They each have their own stack of ornaments with special memories attached, and the night often ends with a lot of "remember when" stories. Who would give that up to have a gorgeous tree? Not me, I think my tree is the best tree there ever could be!
Welcome to blog world!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the land of blogging, Keri! Believe me, it is so much easier to keep up with a blog than it is with a scrapbook.
ReplyDeleteYour tree is so cute!
Love the tree, and the memories from the fun filled day of finding the tree! A great tradition! We are excited to hear more about the fun Sork Family through your blog! I love that it is the 'Army of Sork'!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you joined us! It's fun to keep track of you this way even though you live right around the corner!
ReplyDeleteI love the tree. I wish we could get a real one with out my anxiety getting the best of me. For some reason a real tree in Arizona doesn't seem safe. Fire keeps coming to mind. Love you and hope you have a good Christmas. Hopefully you will make it for the end of February to see Anabella Rose.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tradition! I am still uncertain what traditions my little family will have. Where's the picture of target practicing? Sounds like a hoot!
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