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Jeanne Wettlaufer's avatar

My family tradition is also driving to nearby Xmas tree farm ( Rhode Island has many) and grabbing one of their saws, marching up & down & all around to find ‘the tree’. As my kids grew up my 6’ daughter became the measuring stick which we certainly needed as we always got too large a tree. She’d stand next to a tree and raise her arm which was the perfect height for our living room. Now I’m 70 & venture out on my own without my favorite living measuring stick, I put a yardstick on my shoulder to equate the height. The family doesn’t come home until Xmas Eve so I enjoy the process but can’t help roll the tape of all those years laying in snow & taking turns with the saw. 🎄🌲

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Holly Huitt's avatar

Oh how I love the image of your daughter with her hand raised high.

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Evviefl's avatar

Again, another lovely piece. I so enjoy your writing. Disappointment, I find, is the worst emotion because it assigns blame to something real, or imagined or something that makes absolutely no sense to anyone but you. You just feel let down and, by extension, you feel you’ve let others down. I, too, live in a forested area and there’s nary anything closely resembling a Christmas tree in sight! Best of luck in your quest for a tree!

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Jane Morgan's avatar

So beautiful. Thank you for taking us on your Sunday adventure with heartache and Monday with tea. I love your voice.

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Pat Taylor's avatar

Yesterday, racing against the failing afternoon light, my husband and I traipsed around our 280 acres of land in search of our Christmas tree. And, like you, we did not find our dream tree. So, your Christmas tree saga, your sadness and disappointment, resonated within me. However, like you, I am impressed and grateful for the hard work it takes to grow and care for trees - whether it be tree farmers or Mother Nature.

Like you-I woke up this morning knowing we will find a tree. Our tree decorating tradition date might have to change, but our commitment and joy stays strong. Cheers!

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Carmen Radley's avatar

Beautiful prose, poignant as ever.

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Sherri's avatar

I got teary reading this…changing traditions is so hard and yet life is change. I spent this past weekend celebrating my closest friend making her perpetual vows as a cloistered nun. She was my college roommate (class of 1986) my confidante and adventure partner, unofficial auntie to my sons; we hadn’t seen each other for 9 years since she entered the monastery. It was a bittersweet reunion, too brief and reignited the grief I felt when she first entered religious life. ❤️

We have a tradition of cutting a Charlie Brown tree on our 0.75acres of woods! Over the years we’ve trimmed around tiny saplings trying to give them room to grow into future trees…this year my husband thinks we’ll need to seek out a tree elsewhere and although I’m sad, like you I know it will be ok. Your writing it heartfelt and lovely! ❤️

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Irene McGuinness's avatar

I love reading your words. Thank you. I have many memories of Christmas tree pursuits in my arsenal. This one sparked a few. I hope you find what you’re looking for.

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Natira McDermott's avatar

This is beautiful. It came out of now where for me - I’m at my desk working and checked my inbox and was intrigued. I read and read and loved this story. Thank you.

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Holly Huitt's avatar

I'm so glad. Thank you for reading.

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Manuela Thames's avatar

What a wonderful story beautifully told. You will find your tree! :)

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Patricia Hunt Holmes's avatar

I loved this sweet story. We always cut down our own tree when I grew up in the South Jersey Pinelands. Growing up in Houston, my children will never know that thrill. But I tell them about it and enjoy the memories.

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Lori Hendricks's avatar

So sweet . I love reading your stories / writing . Thank you for sharing them ! I look forward to part 2 of this years Christmas tree! :) Merry Christmas to you & your family !

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Holly Huitt's avatar

Thank you Lori! Merry Christmas back to you!

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