One could make the argument that December is one of the most important months for trees. Although frigid in some of the country with bare trees dotting the landscape like woodsy scarecrows, much of the country is going crazy over one tree – the Christmas tree, of course. Whether you like it or not, it is an enduring symbol of the holiday season.
Just doing a quick search of newspaper headlines from around the country reveals insight into America’s Christmas tree craziness – “Cleveland’s Christmas trees: Readers tell us stories behind cherished ornaments, themes,” “Local kids’ art hangs on Christmas trees near the White House,” “For soldiers’ families, donated Christmas trees light up the season,” and “Christmas trees: Would you buy an upside down one?”
Clearly, Christmas trees are an important part of the holiday season, but what they also represent is the magical power of trees to transform ordinary lives into something extraordinary. Cleveland.com asked readers to send in photographs of their best-dressed Christmas trees along with a story about that particular tree. Suzie Coker, for instance, writes,
Growing up, the Christmas tree was special. Mother spent hours making ornaments to share with family and friends. I feel a special connection to the women who came before me as I spend hours unwrapping my ornaments and placing them on the tree. My grandmother’s 100-year-old ornaments, in particular, always get a special place on my tree.
Suzie has a powerful connection with her Christmas tree, and has imbued it with her family history, her family story. Whether it is through the assistance of the ornaments that adorn it or the tinsel that wraps around it, the tree is a part of the family. This is the attitude that we should have with all the trees in our lives. Each tree – the ones in our backyard, on our streets, in the parks – should be a part of the family. What do you think?
At Cold Stream Farm, the premier bare root tree provider, we encourage you to treat every tree like your Christmas tree! While you may not be able to dress it up in lights or ornaments, you can still imbue it with your family story!
Source: http://www.cleveland.com/insideout/index.ssf/2013/12/readers_tell_us_why_cherished.html
