For me, the magic of the season starts with selecting a tree to celebrate Christmas. The hunt for the ideal Christmas tree is one of my favorite family traditions. We are fortunate to live in a village with a tree farm just down the road. So unlike most of the country, we didn’t have to worry about a tree shortage this season.

We did however, almost pull a Clark Griswold and forget the saw, as we set out on our quest for the the perfect tree. Fortunately, I’m on the scouting team, not the sawing team. I’ve learned from my sawing team that bigger isn’t necessarily better-especially if you don’t have a large enough tree stand. One year we learned that lesson the hard way, when our tree came crashing down on top of our piano. We lost a few ornaments that year, and bought a larger tree stand.

As far as trimming the tree goes, I’m old school and love hanging up the keepsake ornaments. Each one has a special meaning or story behind it. Photo ornaments are some of my most cherished and always a great gift idea. There’s nothing better than admiring the tree late at night or early in the morning by a roaring fire, listening to the song, “O Christmas Tree.” Here’s one of my favorite verses:

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,

We learn from all your beauty;

Your bright green leaves with festive cheer,

Give hope and strength throughout the year,

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,

We learn from all your beauty.

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions around tree trimming? Any special ornaments, stories, or songs to share? Please drop me a note in the comment section below, or on my social media pages.