“Boys, put on your boots!” Ah…going out to the friend’s property to “hunt” for the family Christmas tree. It put an old-fashioned twist on the modern day way of doing things. Usually, we go to the tree lot or one of the big national home improvement stores to purchase one that has been shipped down [...]

Family time in the truck.

 “Boys, put on your boots!” Ah…going out to the friend’s property to “hunt” for the family Christmas tree. It put an old-fashioned twist on the modern day way of doing things. Usually, we go to the tree lot or one of the big national home improvement stores to purchase one that has been shipped down here to Texas from somewhere up north.

Those trees are beautiful, smell great and are even borderline exotic compared to some of the local options we have in North Texas. They’re definitely a great choice for those who are allergic to the native Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum).

Remember it's gonna grow 2' in all directions when you bring it inside your house!

However, if no one in the household is going to swell up, sneeze and itch from this bountiful beauty, consider bringing one home. Amidst all the holiday hustle and bustle, it gives us time together as a family. Quiet time. Maybe even a cat-nap for the wife! 

Photo op while Daddy prepares to cut the tree...

The future family tree, grown naturally, without hormones or steroids.

These Mountain Junipers or more commonly called, “cedars”, are well known ’round these parts for sucking up precious water from streams, creeks, stock tanks, etc. Any that are cut down are usually welcomed warmly by the property owners. It’s good for the land. It’s good for the family tradition building, and it’s good for the family stress levels during this busy time of year!

Bringing a little Christmas back to the North (Texas) Pole...

These boys will remember the very strong, distinct smell of the tree as they grow up. Whenever they are walking outside on a campout and brush against this tree, releasing the familiar scent, they’ll remember these times. It’ll bring back their childhood when they asked Mommy and Daddy if they could sleep by the tree every night since we brought it in the back room. 

While visions of Juniperus scopulorums danced in their heads...

Christmas makes us think of many things: traditions, gifts, family, Santa, children, regionally native, personally harvested strong-smelling Christmas trees, etc. However, Christmas is because of one thing: Baby Jesus. If you don’t know Him, ask someone who knows Him to introduce you to Him.  While you’re getting to know Him, thank Him for this time of year. If it wasn’t for Christmas, we wouldn’t have Christmas tree hunting season.

Get out there. Cut it down. Bring it home and make Christmas memories.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 at 6:57 am and is filed under Hunting.