Our Christmas Tree

I've been holding off on putting up our Christmas tree because of the unseasonably mild, snow-free days we've been having lately.  Every year, I wait for the blanket of snow to arrive before I think of putting up the tree.  But this year, I could wait no longer.  Snow, or no snow, Sunday, I decided would be the day.  The girls were so anxious, as was I, to get our tree up and decorated.
 
I've used artificial and natural trees in the past.  I have to say, there are advantages to both, but truly, there is nothing like a real tree.  I love that it's alive and breathing, and the scent of pine in the house...mmm!   So why did I have an artificial tree?  Well, a few years ago, I saw a new kind of Christmas tree, selling in stores, with lights already hung.  It was all the rage, and I too, got sucked into the buying frenzy.  

After breakfast, on Sunday morning, Nuno and I went to our basement to lug the big box containing our tree, up the stairs.  We opened it up and put the tree together, pretty quickly.  But, when it came time to plug in the lights, well, that wasn't so easy.  Half of them were lit, half were not.  Nuno spent some time trying to figure out why this was happening.  Meanwhile, I was secretly hoping the lights wouldn't work, so we could have an excuse to buy a real tree again. 

And so it was, the Christmas tree went back into the box, and is now sitting in the garage, waiting to be donated to someone or someplace willing to play around with the lights.  A couple hours later, we took a drive to Drysdale's.  It is a 400 acre tree farm; approximately fifteen minutes from our home.

The sign at the entrance of the tree farm

One of the first things we saw when we entered the farm, was this marshmallow stand,

complete with marshmallows and long wooden sticks, for roasting them!

Nuno and the girls around the big fire, roasting marshmallows.

As you can see from the photos, it was raining, but we didn't let a little rain stop us from having fun.

Me, holding a perfectly roasted marshmallow Nuno made for me.

Adorable wooden reindeer for sale

Some of the beautiful ornaments for sale inside the Evergreen Store

Anita and I oohing and ahhing over the ornaments

A selection of saws to pick from, to cut down the perfect tree!

This is the tractor-drawn wagon arriving to take us out to the plantation.

You can see people getting off with their fresh cut trees!

After some searching, we found the perfect tree for us - a six foot blue spruce.

Anita and Annabel are taking turns helping Daddy cut the tree.  It happened so fast.  I was

expecting it to take some time, but it probably took an entire two minutes!

Thank you, honey, for always taking us on these wonderful adventures!

Here's a little video...

Baled tree on top of our car, ready to come home with us.

But before we left, we saw hot apple dumplings for sale at the snack bar.  I'd never tried an apple dumpling before, so I bought one for us to try.  Boy, oh boy, was it ever good!!




When we got home, we put the tree in water, decorated it with lights, garland and special ornaments.  And this year, we have a new star!


Here are some photos...

Now, all it needs is a tree skirt and more presents under the tree.  I'm working on that! 

By the way, we still don't have any snow on the ground.  I'm okay with that, but come December, I'd like a little snow.  I'm not asking for a lot, just a little white stuff. 

This weekend, I'll be baking cookies for the annual cookie exchange at my friend, Sandy's house.  I'm really looking forward to it.  I hope you are all feeling Christmasy and cosy.  I love Christmas and I can't wait for the holidays!!  Enjoy the rest of the week, everyone!  xo