With the passing of Thanksgiving, the green light is officially on to begin the Christmas holiday season. One of the experiences I most enjoy about this season is heading out as a family to choose our live Christmas tree. I have many fond memories while growing up of waking early in the morning and going with my family to the local co-op in search of the perfect Christmas tree. The tree had to be one that would stand tall and gracefully in our living room and not lose its presence against the gifts that would later surround it. Each year, we always found the perfect Christmas tree.
The first year we moved to Tennessee was the first Christmas I ever experienced with an artificial tree. Christmas was not the same. I missed the hunt for the tree; the prepping it for display and smelling its freshness every time I walked into the room. I am just a live Christmas tree kind of girl.
The following year, we took our Christmas tree expedition to a local tree farm. This was a new experience for me having never gone to the source, where you choose a tree and they cut it down for you. We had a blast and a new family tradition began that year.
Although, I consider myself an eco-friendly person, I will not get into all of the environmental reasons to choose a live tree over an artificial one. Many people are unable to have a live tree in their home due to medical and other reasons. Live versus artificial is a personal choice.
Living in the Madison County area gives us a number of options for purchasing live trees from a local farm. Purchasing a live Christmas tree from a farmer supports local. Most of the farms in the state are family owned and they continue to grow Christmas trees so families are able to begin a tradition or keep one alive.
The farms are now open and ready to chop down your tree of choice. Depending on which farm you visit, the experience also includes a tractor drawn ride to the field and hot chocolate to keep you warm. There may not be any snow, but I guess you cannot have everything.
Go prepared and be sure to carry heavy twine or bungee cords to strap the tree to your vehicle. If you have a tarp, toss that into the car too, because it may come in handy. Also be sure to have a sturdy tree stand that will hold the size of tree you purchase.
Once you set your Christmas tree at home, place it in a cool area away from drafts and heat sources. Keep the base of the tree covered in water, which helps prevent the drying of the tree.
Visit a Christmas tree farm near you.
Duncan Christmas Tree Farm, 186 Hester Road, Selmer 38375
Open through Christmas Eve Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call (731) 645-5769 for more information.
Falcon Ridge Farm, 22630 Highway 18 North, Toone 38381
Open through Saturday, December 19 on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment Monday through Friday. Call (731) 658-5200 or e-mail mail@falconridgefarm.net to make an appointment and for more information.
Ward Grove Christmas Tree Farm, 20 Ward Road, Beech Bluff, 38313
Open through Friday, December 18 from 12 p.m. to dark Sunday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to dark on Saturdays. Call (731) 42SANTA (427-2682_ for more information.
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©2015 Kid Madison. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://kidmadison.com/.
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