One of our favorite holiday traditions is to buy a $5 permit and to go cut down our own Christmas tree off public lands. It is usually a bit more Charlie Brownish than getting it from a tree lot, but we are okay with that fact. We save lots of money, and the whole family really gets into the Christmas spirit hunting and finding that perfect Christmas tree.
Here is Madison getting ready for the tree hunt. Everyone knows a teenager must look good on all occasions.
Madison offered to braid my hair on the trek up the road in the truck. I got a side braid due to the fact that was the side of the car she was sitting on from me. I didn’t care. We just liked showing off our flower hats.
After walking and walking, we were above some of the cloud line. It doesn’t get much more gorgeous than this, and I am not just talking about the scenery. Those sisters are so special.
Pausing for another Mom imposed photo opportunity. Thanks guys! You are troopers.
We found the Daggett Christmas tree, and Nathan is always more than happy to be the tree cutter. I am usually the tree holder.
Another photo opportunity with my hubby.
Back at home with our tree, it was Madison’s year to put the angel on the top of the tree.
So, where is the mistletoe? Who needs mistletoe? Apparently, we do not.
In the end, we had our Christmas tree. A Christmas tree which was inexpensive to buy, an adventure to get, and a memory we made. It is one of our favorite traditions to get and put up our Christmas tree.
We also pull out all of our Christmas books when we get out our Christmas decorations. One of my favorites is a book called A Tree for Christmas by Dandi Daley MacKall. It is just a beautifully written book which talks about how Jesus was laid in a wooden manger as a baby and was surely taught by his earthly father, Joseph, whose trade was carpentry to make objects out of wood. It also talks about the wooden table where Christ ate his last supper with his disciples, and how he was hung on a cross made out of wood. Here is an excerpt from the book:
“Every Christmas season, every Christmas tree.
Is a true reminder of eternity.
Let the lights burn brightly, so the world can see…
We needed a tree for Christmas.
With the nail-sharp needles, decked in red and green,
And its treetop pointing to the Christ unseen,
May our families cherish what it’s come to mean…
We still need a tree for Christmas.”
At a time when it seems that the whole world has gone mad, how comforting it is to know Christ will never leave us or forsake us. We still need Jesus for Christmas and every other day throughout the year. May God’s word, your faith, and even your Christmas tree remind you of the greatest gift anyone could ever receive this holiday season and that is Christ the Lord.
“For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:11, NKJV
