A Christmas Tree for the Farmhouse | Family Adventure
Follow along as we hunt for a Christmas tree for the farmhouse and learn about the Nordmann Fir.
Our family tradition every year on Friday after Thanksgiving is to find the perfect Christmas tree for the farmhouse. This year we went to a tree farm as part of our Family Adventure Series.
Usually we prefer to hunt and forage for a majestic fir out in the beautiful forest of our beloved coast range here in the Pacific Northwest. However, the last few years we’ve supported the sweetest senior couple and their little tree farm that’s just up the road from us. They introduced us to our new favorite tree: the Nordmann Fir. Sadly, our favorite tree farm was closed for the season this year.
So off to find another local tree farm. At the last minute. Which is never a smart idea, come to find out. Because: STICKER SHOCK! I think it’s safe to say I’ll be sure to make an extra effort to trek my people out to the forest for a rustic, rugged, frugal-as-they-come Christmas tree this time next year.
Minimal Christmas = Time Well Spent
I’m a firm believer in keeping things minimal around here. I don’t buy into commercialism, we live on a budget, ascribe to the debt-free life, and try to live intentionally.
At this time of year, we really try to focus on each other and what we mean to each other as a family. Spending time together is a huge part of how we connect and further our bond of love, friendship, and family.
We focus on the giving part instead of the getting.
We have a few special traditions that we look forward to each year. One of those is the great tree hunt. Simple. Together. Laughter. Hot cocoa. Memories.
Family Adventure Christmas Tree Video
The Nordmann Fir—What makes it so special anyway?
The Nordmann Fir is quickly becoming a more popular variety here in the states; however, it has long been a favorite across the pond in Europe.
It’s waxy needles lend to a tree that is suited well for the centerpiece of the house decoration long before and lasting well after all other Christmas trees. For those with allergies, the waxy needles prevent the aromatic smell of firs and are a welcomed relief. For those of us without allergies? Make some salt dough ornaments and drop some essential oil on them and hang in the tree for that beloved Christmas tree fragrance, I say.
Homeschooling?
For those of us who are homeschooling, or just like to geek out on info, here’s a journal entry all about the Nordmann Fir by a professor at MSU.
Real or Artificial?
Which Christmas tree camp are you in: real or fake? I’ve always been a firm believer in the real myself. Someday I may be too old to manage the real thing, perhaps, so for now I will cherish each natural tree we are blessed to harvest!
December 13, 2019 @ 3:24 am
Loved reading about your mom family’s tradition! Any time spent with family is well spent and this is memory making at its finest!
December 15, 2019 @ 10:23 am
Thank you, Allyson!
December 12, 2019 @ 4:16 pm
We use an artificial tree in our small townhome and I LOVE the idea of the salt dough ornaments and essential oils! Never thought of that!
December 15, 2019 @ 10:23 am
I hope you try that idea! I love it when I get ideas from others. Glad I could pass it along. <3
December 12, 2019 @ 8:53 am
Amy, I go back and forth between real and fake, but usually because we have mostly cedar trees and they are so prickly! This year I finally paid for a fir and I LOVE it!
December 15, 2019 @ 10:22 am
That’s great, Emily! Cedar would be a hard tree to decorate, but the smell would be amazing I would think. I always have a hard time paying for a tree. I’d much rather feel like I worked for it out in the woods, making a memory out of it. 😉
December 12, 2019 @ 7:54 am
How interesting! We don’t do a tree every year, but when we do it’s real…although I am not a purist, the practical and frugal side of me sees the appeal of a fake tree. Less mess, and the money is spent once for a long time…if it’s a good one.
December 15, 2019 @ 10:18 am
I’m with ya on the frugal thought. I’ve often wondered about digging up smaller trees to decorate then replanting them after the season. 🙂
December 12, 2019 @ 7:50 am
What a great story. We used to get free trees in upstate NY, bring hot cocoa and make a day of it. I know I commented yesterday but I don’t see it.
December 15, 2019 @ 10:16 am
Free trees??!! So great!
December 12, 2019 @ 7:26 am
I love a beautiful, real tree! Thanks for the intro to a new variety! I have to get one this weekend (Oh, so late!)
December 15, 2019 @ 10:14 am
You’re welcome, Susan. Thank you for stopping by! Never too late, I always say. I’ve read about back in the early days when families waited until Christmas Eve to put up a tree.
December 11, 2019 @ 8:17 am
I am much older then you Amy and we still get a real tree. We go out slogging through the mud and always find the perfect nordmann. We are definitely fans. No fake tree for us ever!
December 11, 2019 @ 8:27 am
Thanks for the encouragement, Lee Ann! I do love a good slogging. 🙂