The Bangs Family Christmas Tree

One of the many fun aspects of being a newly married couple is experiencing the holidays together for the first time.  Jeff and I have had many conversations about what traditions each of our families has had, which of these we'd like to continue, and what traditions we would like to start. For some of my thoughts on family traditions and giving, please refer back to THIS POST and THIS ONE, TOO!  At first, one of our biggest sources of debate was whether or not we should have a real or artificial Christmas Tree.

My family tradition had always been to load up in the family SUV and drive to nearby Strautman Tree Farm, hike through rows of trees searching for the perfect one, cut it down (Dad did this), strap it to the top of the vehicle (Dad did this, too), and bring it home.  I can even remember one or two years when we had taken the big old turquoise Chevy pickup that I think Dad got from his dad, all four of us piled on the wide bench seat.  Family Tradition... kith and kin... Behold the Adam Family Christmas Tree... Just like in Christmas Vacation.  Well, maybe not exactly like in Christmas Vacation but close.  We would take our tree home, trim it with lights and ornaments, and keep it looking nice through Christmas.

Jeff's family tradition, at least in recent years, had been to have an artificial tree.  This was his preference for what our tree should be.  They are cleaner (no loose needles to pick up), easy to care for (no need to refill water, or shoe the family pet away from drinking the water), convenient (no need to travel any further than a storage closet where the tree is stored), and safe (less of a fire hazard).  Additionally, there are no tree farms or National Forests near where we live, so I eventually agreed the artificial tree was probably the best choice.

One weekend in Bozeman, we ventured to Home Depot and endeavored to find the perfect tree.  We did not wade through feet of snow, but instead sauntered easily on a concrete floor to a "grove" of artificial trees, from which we would select our own Bangs Family Christmas Tree.  I had bowed to pressure to have an artificial tree, but would not give up on two points: The tree should not look too fake and plasticky, and if it were going to be pre-lit, the lights should be white.  We selected a very nice tree and it is now cheerily brightening our living room.

Currently, I am working on a Christmas Tree Skirt to add a homemade touch to our Christmas display.  As with many of my sewing projects, it is taking longer than I had originally anticipated, though it's almost finished.  It's not always about the end result, but about enjoying the process, too.  Just like with our Christmas Tree.  The process of deciding on a tree and finding the right one was just as fun as setting it up in the living room and enjoying it now through Christmas.