Community Corner

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree: A Family Tradition

Every year my family traipses through the fields at Hickory Hill Tree Farm in Street in quest of the perfect Christmas tree.

Since I was a child, finding the family Christmas tree has been an adventure.

First of all, it's always difficult to get everyone in the family to agree on which tree will adorn our home for a few weeks. There is always a little debate over the height and fullness when it comes to the final selection.

When my brother and I were small, my dad would take on an alternate identity of Bear Man, who talked in a gruff voice and was an outdoors expert with a bear family of his own. It was always a little suspect that dad and Bear Man looked so similar, but the two would deny to the grave that they were one and the same.

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The adventure almost always took us to Hickory Hill Tree Farm in Street.

This year, while Bear Man did not make an appearance, my brother, father and I made the trek to the Street farm to select a tree. In true Dize tradition, the trip took place the weekend before Christmas.

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The three of us laughed and playfully debated the pros and cons of each tree, walking the full length of the Douglas Fir section. We then walked back to the car and drove to the opposite end of the field because, of course, the tree we selected was quite a distance from where we parked.

Even in my 20s, I enjoy going with my family to select a tree. It's a group outing that is filled with nostalgia.

Feel free to share photos of your own traditions by clicking the "Submit" button.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here