continued from page 14 My biggest challenge used to be allowing the kids to decorate the tree, or more accurately, the same branch. This was done until it was weighed down with silver and gold, crying uncle. I’m particular about spacing and, well, children aren’t. To be fair, they are only so tall.
CUTTING AND CARING FOR A FRESH TREE
I give a lot of credit to my mother, who appreciates precision, too. I remember when my brother and I were little and would run to her to be given the next bulb or ribbon to be hung. If she “adjusted” them later, I never caught on. Anyway, I’m much better these days, knowing how quickly the years turn toddlers into teens. Everyone can marvel over the fresh pine smell and perfect needles (this includes the cats, who believe tree water is feline Evian), and comment on the homemade ornaments from Years Past that will always adorn our family evergreen. No matter the weather, we’ve strengthened our family as we’ve laughed in the fresh air, searched and found the perfect tree, and made lasting memories.
Be sure to wear boots, gloves and old clothes. Don’t forget the camera! Decide on the best tree for your family. Choose a tree with a straight trunk. Saw off a straight edge, and remove bottom branches with a saw so the tree will fit firmly in the stand. Avoid trimming the sides of the trunk to fit the stand; have the stand fit the trunk. Shake off excess needles and snow before taking indoors. If the tree is pre-cut, use a saw to take off about an inch at the base to remove the seal the sap made over the initial cut. Once in the stand, secure without over tightening. Fill the water well as soon as possible. The temperature of the water doesn’t matter. The tree will drink the most the first few days, so replenish as needed. Keep trees away from heat sources and use low heat-producing lights.
Laura Livingston Snyder is a writer and mother of four who lives north of Syracuse. She blogs at freshapplesnyder.com.
Keeping the tree in a cooler room and using miniature lights will reduce the drying of the tree. Evergreens are 100 percent biodegradable so don’t forget to recycle!
SOURCE: realchristmastrees.org
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