Heartcrafted

Angry Christmas Tree Day

Angry Christmas Tree Day is a tradition that began over 10 years ago when we, just a small family of three, would venture into the woods, the way I did as a child, to harvest and bring home a beautiful tree. This loving family who welcomed me in, Papa Bear and Big Brother, had already established a tradition of an artificial tree, or a store bought tree, but neither of them were partial to any tree-ventures the way I was, and so I knew I was lucky when they agreed to a winter’s tree-gathering hike.

A lovely idea isn’t it? A small family, a snowy December day, birds singing a jolly tune, and a fragrant woodsmoke enticing our noses. Together we’d hold hands and frolic. We’d agree, exactly on THE tree, cut it down with a few magical saw strokes, drag it home like a feather, and decorate it. Just like that.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA…You must have known I was joking when I said hold hands and frolic?!

We have argued for 9 out of 11 tree adventures. Sometimes in the beginning, sometimes while setting up the tree (NO! I SAID TO THE LEFT!!!), and always when it comes time to decorate. There have been arguments over how big the tree should be. We’ve fought over who should carry the tree and how to best set it up…where to set it up…who was supposed to water it, and always, always who strings the lights and exactly how much of the decorating are grownups allowed/expected to partake in. Sometimes Big Brother had already set up a tree with his mom, so he wasn’t interested in taking part twice, and I can hardly say I blame him.

After all of this, somehow we’ve persevered. Unlike so many things in our lives that we’ve shed, simply because they weren’t working, we’ve held onto this one….

Perhaps because even though the struggle is real, so are all the good feels that do make their appearances…

So without any more stories …. photos from our 2 year streak, non-angry Yuletree adventure….