I’m typically someone who embraces change. I like trying new things and being adventurous and I don’t like to do the same thing over and over again. But at the same time, I’m also someone who really appreciates traditions, too. There are just some things that don’t need to change and don’t need to be ‘new’, no matter how many times you do it. For me, Christmas is full of those little traditions that I’ve done now for over 30 years and I will never get tired of. One of those things includes our annual hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. This year I partnered with Christmas Tree Promotion Board to talk about our family tradition of cutting down our own Christmas Tree every year.
Do you cut your own tree down? It’s something I grew up doing with my family and it was something that was very important to me to continue with my own husband and kids. It was one of those things that was non-negotiable when we tied the knot :)
While I may start decorating a little bit before Thanksgiving every year, we don’t get our tree until the weekend after Thanksgiving. We have a lot of little traditions when it comes to the big day. We always go on Saturday after the holiday. We get all bundled up in our rain gear and winter clothes and head to the tree farm to find the perfect tree.
The kids are always SO excited, but I’m pretty sure I enjoy the process the most. When we start our hunt I have a little list of requirements that the tree must meet: 1) must be 8-9 ft tall to fit the full height of our family room 2) must be symmetrical and without any large gaps between the branches 3) must be kid approved to (but let’s face it, mom has the final call hehehe)
I love walking through the tree farms. They always smell so fresh and clean, not to mention they make the perfect photography backdrops to grab some cute photos :)
Once we find “the one”, it’s time to cut it down! I leave this part up to the hubby. He gets to do the dirty work. We often bring towels with us because we can almost guarantee it’s going to be a muddy mess considering we live in Seattle. This day was particularly bad and there was up to 12″ of water in some areas of the farm.
On a side note, did you know that for every tree we cut, the Christmas Tree Promotion Board states that 1-3 more are planted in its place!? Looks like we won’t be running out of trees anytime soon :)
After a long trek in the cold and rain, there is nothing better than going back to a cute little red barn to warm up!
At the farm that we go to, while we pay for the tree and get it tied down, the kids get to warm up with hot cocoa and candy canes. I think this is their favorite part!
For me there is something really nostalgic about cutting down our own tree every year. I think about the trek I used to make with my parents and brothers each year and now I think back to all the past years with our kids and how each year they are growing up so quickly. It’s a tradition we will always continue and I hope they will too, because there is nothing like having a real tree in your living room!
When we first get the tree up, I let the kids decorate it and put ornaments where ever they want. And then as soon as they go to bed I spend the night with the fire on, a few Christmas movies and a cup of coffee and decorate the tree. It’s my happy place.
I love sitting in our family room and smelling that fresh tree scent! Do you cut down your own real tree? I always love hearing about other family traditions this time of year!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Christmas Tree Promotion Board.
About Taryn Whiteaker
Hi! I’m Taryn! The voice behind Taryn Whiteaker Designs. I launched this brand over 11 years ago when I became a stay-at-home mom. What started as a small craft and mom blog eventually grew into a full time design and DIY site. My goal has always been to inspire others (especially women!) with design ideas, DIY tutorials, entertaining ideas and give you the tools you need to complete them yourself!
I adore Stocker Farms!!
Ahhhhh, fresh cut trees. We used to cut our own in the forest when we lived in NV – they didn’t have cut your own tree farms there. But they offered permits for certain areas to go hunt one down. Had to go back to a boxed tree when the hubs started all his knee surgeries & we weren’t able to hike anymore.