A Real Christmas Tree for the Holidays
Have you ever heard the story of the first Christmas tree?
The story of the first real Christmas tree:
One night, close to Christmas, a man named Martin Luther took a walk through the forest. He spotted stars in the night sky twinkling through the branches of an evergreen tree and thought that it was beautiful enough to share with his family. So he chopped down the tree and brought it home. He placed lit candles throughout the branches to resemble the twinkle of the stars, and to remind him and his family of the One who placed each star in the sky.
While no one knows exactly when and where the tradition of cutting down an evergreen tree and bringing it home to decorate around the holidays came from, the tradition lives on for many. For most, it has evolved into a plastic store-bought tree, decorated with enough glitz to put Gatsby to shame. But to me, there's something magic about decorating a real Christmas tree with handmade ornaments.
Cutting down our own real Christmas tree:
This year, I wanted to make the experience extra-special. My boyfriend and I decided to take a day and cut down our own real Christmas tree. There aren't many places in Alberta, but we did manage to find one an hour south of Edmonton. Fir Ever Green Tree Farm is a family run, you-cut tree lot, with many different varieties of beautifully raised trees.
It was a beautiful day to get out into the snow and find a tree to call our own. I wanted something around 6.5', but I may have come home with something (quite) a bit bigger. From the moment I saw it, I knew it would be perfect.
The whole experience was enchanting. From the beginning - taking our saw out into the lot - to the end - spent sipping hot chocolate and chatting with the owners. The people at Fir Ever Green Tree Farm make you want to come back year after year.
If you've never cut down your own tree, I urge you to try it at least once. I hope you take time this Christmas to bake cookies, hand-make a few gifts, and laugh with those you love. You won't regret the memories you'll make.
Merry Christmas to one and all.
Shop my: warmest winter boots (old, similar), first spotted here in Banff - best jeans - cozy inner layer - knit cardigan (old, similar) - tartan scarf (from Scotland, similar)
Check out some of my other Christmas adventures:
