O Christmas Tree

Over the weekend, I took the kids to Fallowfield Tree Farm to pick up a fresh tree for our first Christmas in our new “nest.”  Originally, I was going to drive to my friend’s tree farm, called Strathmore Orchard near Cornwall.  Both of these farms offer options to pick or cut your tree on the spot.  With all that had been happening to me lately, I just wanted to keep it simple.

7 years ago, we had a tree that was so beautiful and very much alive.  For many nights, it had been my only companion when the kids were in bed.  Each evening after the kids had gone to bed, I would finish doing the dishes and spend a couple of minutes standing next to the tree before sitting down next to it to watch something on the tv.  I could feel its presence and that was my only respite from loneliness and isolation.  I remember how it had this sweet smell that filled the entire basement.  As the end of February approached, the tree was still vibrant and full but it would be ridiculous to have it there for March.  It was time to say goodbye to my 7ft companion.  You can call me a sentimentalist because I was sad and lost for a while when the tree was gone. 

Last Saturday, when I got to Fallowfield Tree Farm, I was feeling really clueless as to which tree to get.  (Growing up in a place where we only had white sandy Christmases, trees weren’t part of the tradition.)  The staff and owner showed me the trees they have.  My kids and I came to the consensus with a 7ft Balsam Fir.  It reminded me of the tree I had 7 years ago. 

Although the tree was more expensive than what it would have been from Home Depot or Canadian Tire, I truly appreciated the services.  I would not have known what to do, nor have the patience to tie it to the car.  As a single mother, I was just grateful that they provided a brief moment of ease and comfort.  Every year, I could feel that pre-holiday fatigue from trying to make Christmas happen on my own.  At least I felt that they’ve got me covered.  The staff quickly cut, wrapped, and tied the tree up for me on top of the little red rental car.  So we sort of look like a Christmas ornament (the ones with a green tree on a red car kind) driving down the street.

I know we were a bit early in setting up the Christmas tree this year, but it was the perfect timing for us.  I could sense the excitement it brought to this home.  We were all busy decorating the whole house and dancing to the Christmas music.  It felt like hope and joy were miraculously restored instantaneously.  Now the kids are just counting down to Christmas.