Wednesday, December 9, 2009

FAMILY TREE

Well, it is that time of the year again! That's right, it is finally time to put up that Christmas tree you've been waiting for all year! This is no simple task, nor should it be... this is what Christmas is all about for me. So this year, consider doing it the hard way, like our ancestors did it, and I promise it will be worth it in the end. Expect the whole process of selecting and decorating your tree to take a minimum of two full evenings.

Here is the Young's Log guide to Christmas trees:
  • A fresh, live tree is always preferable to plastic. Our memories are hard wired through our nostrils, and nothing says Christmas to me more than the fresh smell of pine. If at all possible, find a place where you can cut your own tree, but if not, your local hardware store is your best bet. (The joy of Christmas comes from quality family time and fond memories. Erecting your tree in the way i've described here ensures both. The distinct pine smell will help to anchor the memories you create and recall old memories year after year)
  • Selecting a tree should be a family affair. Don't expect to pick a tree in 15 minutes.... savor this classic Christmas experience. Bring the whole family along and drag out every tree in the lot. Be sure to bring a pocket knife, a rope, gloves, and your best lumberjack attire. Pore meticulously over the qualities of each tree and select one by family consensus. If you don't find the right tree, go somewhere else and find the right one. Douglas, Noble, Charlie Brown.... it doesn't really matter. Just take your time and get a tree that the whole family likes.
  • Get a unique, one piece, quality tree stand. This will make your life much, much easier, and will give you one more symbol of Christmas joy to hold onto... that old metal stand that has sat under your beloved tree year after year.
  • When you get your tree home, don't just throw it in your stand. Carefully lay your tree on its side and cut about 1/2" off the bottom with a hand saw. This is a sacred practice... power tools have no place here. If you have kids, make them hold the tree while you saw, even if this is completely unnecessary. While you're at it, drill 3 1/2" holes in the fresh base. If you have a hand crank drill, now is your chance to pull it out and use it. (sawing off the bottom of the tree opens the pores to allow water to get into the tree. Drilling holes adds surface area to allow for more water contact.) If you really want to go for it, drill the holes extra deep, and stuff them with cotton, which will further increase the tree to water contact area.
  • Trim off the first few branches at the bottom of the tree. Use careful judgement here. You want the tree to fit nicely in the stand and have plenty of room for presents underneath, but you don't want it to look like its wearing highwaters.
  • Take the tree inside and place it in the stand. The family should gather at this point and ensure that the tree remains straight while it is attached to the stand.
  • Carefully rotate your tree through every possible angle. Reach a family consensus as to the proper tree alignment for optimum viewing.
  • Fill the stand with as much water as you can get in there, and add a few flower feed packets for best results.
  • Now you can decorate your masterpiece!
NEXT: The Young's Log guide to Christmas Tree Decoration

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