“PJs and presents, peppermint and pecan pie…These are a few of our favorite things…”
A few Decembers ago, I conducted a nonofficial poll on Facebook. My question was this: What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
Many of you replied immediately (thank you!) with responses like these:
· getting (and giving) Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve
· taking turns opening presents
· cutting your own tree at a tree farm
· putting up the tree the day after Thanksgiving
· playing special music while you’re decorating
· eating special Christmas foods like homemade ravioli, steak, turkey and dressing
· driving through neighborhoods looking at all the decorated houses and lights
· receiving Christmas cards and keeping up with new and old friends.
It’s fun to hear about these and other traditions you enjoy.
Getting the Christmas tree is one of my favorites too.
Our tree “farm” sits on a busy four-lane highway, nestled beneath power lines, in a grassy field beside a church. The trio of young men who run the tree lot come back every year, staying in a trailer on the property the entire Christmas season. They are clad in flannel shirts, work pants, boots, and beanies; their clothes add to the festive atmosphere.
We always spend time talking with them, getting their news on the latest weather, tree sales, life on the lot, and life off season. I’ve noticed, to my surprise, that they now have wrinkles lining their foreheads and a few crows-feet, too.
Of course, we have quite a few more wrinkles than they do. We started going to this lot about 17 years ago, with a little girl who’s grown now. While the men wrap up our new tree and strap it to the car, she always gets a cup of hot cider, and I always grab a few Hershey minis. One year, when she was away at college, she wasn’t able to join us, but we Facetimed with her so she could help us pick out the perfect tree.
In addition to trees, the lot also offers wreaths, a campfire, a cornhole game, and the recent addition of goats from a local petting zoo. We always say hi to the goats and take a few pictures. (Nothing says Christmas like a few goats, right? Who knows, though—maybe they were present at that first Christmas!)
Even though our tree is now a suburban dweller, its roots began at a tree farm in North Carolina. And every year, I look forward to bringing it home.
It’s one of our favorite traditions.
So, my friends, enjoy your pajamas and peppermint mochas, your pecan pie and presents, and may this Christmas season be especially meaningful for you. Merry Christmas, and God bless you, every one.
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