Christmas Tree Farm

It’s that time of year again…the time when we go to the tree farm and select our Christmas tree.

This has been difficult, since Katie passed away. It makes me miss her more, because we should all be having a good-natured argument about which tree we like best, the way we used to do! Four of us, four opinions, and the joy of tramping around in the fresh air, among hundreds of beautiful trees from which we are free to choose.

So this year, it occurred to me to invite some friends, who have young boys, to join us. Tom & Marisa drove over from the city, and brought their twins and their dog, Spooky, with them.

We started out with lunch, and a few turns on the rope swing in our yard. Then we drove to the tree farm, and began walking downhill towards the lower acreage of the farm. The boys, their dad and David began a rousing game of tag. This was a lot of fun, since there were trees of many different types, sizes and shapes behind which to hide; there is also a canal that runs through the bottom of the property. Time was spent jumping across this canal.

No one fell in.

It was chilly, so after a brief dog play-date with a pack of other people’s canines, we headed back up the hill to look at our favorites:  the Noble Firs. We selected our tree, and Gregg got underneath it in order to cut it down. David held the top steady.

Nice view, I know.

Meanwhile, our friends considered which tree would be the best for them. Then Tom lay down on the ground to cut the chosen one. David again steadied the tree. I love these photos.

Tom is a gifted physician; we met him when Katie was in the ICU, during our first week at Children’s Hospital - before we even knew what type of cancer she had.  He was a compassionate and wonderful support to us, all through her treatment and illness. His wife is also a physician, and a lovely lady. It’s so different – and it’s fun - to see Tom lying on the ground, cutting down a Christmas tree, with his family gathered around. Katie is the reason we have the gift of this friendship; I only wish she was here to enjoy it with us.

We carried the trees to the shed, where we paid for them, and bought hot cider to ward off the chill. Then we tied the trees to our respective cars, and headed home, to enjoy some French wine and Thai food. The boys continued playing games with David: Monopoly and something electronic (I don't recall what game).

For some reason, this reminds me of a Norman Rockwell scene.

I loved sharing this tradition with friends, especially for the benefit of their boys…although I think the adults had more fun with the tree-cutting part of the day; the boys enjoyed our rope swing and the game of tag.

I hope your Christmas traditions bring you joy.