Christmas Vacation, one of our all time favorite movies, opens with disgruntled teenagers in the back seat as Mom and Dad merrily sing Christmas Carols while driving out to the middle of nowhere to hand pick a Christmas tree.
While we LOVE the idea of fresh cut Christmas trees, we have little ones and don't need the Chevy Chase drama of cutting down our own tree in the mountains. Because in all seriousness, it would turn into something quite similar. Enter, Christmas Tree farms. They are popping up everywhere and should you do a little digging you are sure to find one in your neck of the woods.
The great thing about the farm we visit every year is they open their gates Labor Day weekend and remain open for a month or so for tree picking in the beautiful fall weather. That way when winter hits your pre picked tree is tagged and waiting for you to cut down and take home. Should you change your mind simply remove the tag and pick another.
A few pictures from our recent tree tagging adventure; doughnuts, tikes, and family included.
We also included a few (learn from experience) tips for picking your own tree should you decide to give it a try this year.
Christmas Tree Farm Tips N Tricks
Call the Farm BEFORE you visit to check on hours, tree availability, and if they offer cut your own trees or just pre-cut during the holiday season.
Bring your camera. You'll want pictures of your tree picking adventure. Also, most Christmas tree farms have marked rows. Take a picture of the row number your tree is on so you can return to it quickly rather than wander the forest again.
Wear comfortable shoes. No flip flops. The ground is uneven, covered in pine needles and you'll want a decent shoe to walk around in.
Bring a layer. Christmas tree farms can be chilly so bring a sweater or jacket.
Throw a sharpie marker or other permanent ink pen in your bag. Just in case. Sometimes the pens at the farms don't work so great, and you want your tag to be clearly seen when you go back to claim your tree.
If you forgo a farm and head out to the mountains/wilderness to cut your tree check for Christmas Tree permits, private property, and where it is legal to cut trees. No need to be fined during the happiest time of year.
Take your time. Leave yourself plenty of time to meander, enjoy the weather, the atmosphere, and being with family.
Make it a tradition. Make it yours. Go the the same place yearly. Go to a different place yearly. Take a family picture in the same spot every year. Be creative, and make it fun.
Add food. We stop for doughnuts after picking is our tree and again the day we bring it home. Go out to eat at a fun local place, start the day with a big family breakfast, bring a picnic, have hot chocolate if weather calls for it, anything to add just a little more sweetness to the day.
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