What's Hot

    Treat Yourself: Explore restored wetlands, more at Canastota’s Great Swamp Conservancy

    June 1, 2023

    Explore CNY: Cazenovia has something for every age

    June 1, 2023

    Summer Learning Loss is Real

    June 1, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • Treat Yourself: Explore restored wetlands, more at Canastota’s Great Swamp Conservancy
    • Explore CNY: Cazenovia has something for every age
    • Summer Learning Loss is Real
    • 315 Bulletin
    • Berries and Cream Croissant Breakfast Casserole
    • Summer Activities Guide
    • A Day for Dad
    • Wondrous Waterfalls
    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    Family TimesFamily Times
    • Community Guide
    • Things to Do in CNY
      1. Central New York Events
      2. Activities
      3. Treat Yourself
      Featured

      Treat Yourself: Explore restored wetlands, more at Canastota’s Great Swamp Conservancy

      By Courtney KlessJune 1, 202311
      Recent

      Treat Yourself: Explore restored wetlands, more at Canastota’s Great Swamp Conservancy

      June 1, 2023

      Explore CNY: Cazenovia has something for every age

      June 1, 2023

      Summer Activities Guide

      June 1, 2023
    • Parenting
      1. Pregnancy
      2. Babies
      3. Kids
      4. Preschoolers/Toddlers
      5. Special Needs
      6. Teens
      7. Pets
      8. View All

      The Power to Save a Life: Cord blood is being used to treat more than 80 diseases

      January 30, 2020

      It’s Not What It Looks Like: Reflections on motherhood’s changes, outside and inside

      July 29, 2019

      In Search of Sleep: 8 Strategies for coping with wakeful babies

      July 29, 2019

      A Surgical Birth: Many pregnant women are likely to deliver by cesarean

      July 29, 2019

      Strangers Bearing Advice: New babies bring out the expert in everyone

      August 1, 2021

      Hand to Mouth: How to help babies start to sample solid food

      August 1, 2020

      315 Bulletin

      August 1, 2020

      Name, Please? Expectant parents face another momentous decision

      August 1, 2020

      Prep Work: Keep your family’s food safe this summer

      June 1, 2022

      A Blooming Craft: These homemade flowers make a great centerpiece

      March 1, 2021

      Rainbow Snowflakes: A colorful craft even little ones can make

      November 24, 2020

      DIY Critter Magnets: Make cute clips for hanging reminders and more

      September 1, 2020

      DIY Critter Magnets: Make cute clips for hanging reminders and more

      September 1, 2020

      Allergy Adjustments: Parents can support their food allergic child

      September 3, 2019

      Calming Commotion: How to deal with car sickness and more

      June 27, 2019

      Introducing Riff Rockit: Kindie artist to play jingles at Leon Fest

      June 1, 2017

      A History of Inclusion: The Jowonio School marked 50 years in 2019

      March 30, 2020

      Reaching a Milestone: Now the largest chapter in the country, Special Olympics New York is celebrating 50 years

      March 30, 2020

      Come Out and Play: Move Along offers adaptive sports for youth, adults

      March 30, 2020

      Let’s Get Together: Remaking classrooms so all students are included

      September 3, 2019

      Prep Work: Keep your family’s food safe this summer

      June 1, 2022

      A Little Jolt: Caffeine’s risks for kids and teens

      March 1, 2021

      A Blooming Craft: These homemade flowers make a great centerpiece

      March 1, 2021

      Environmental Club: Auburn Junior High School

      January 30, 2020

      Furry Friends: What it takes to adopt a pet for the first time

      July 1, 2020

      Tail Wagging Fun: Lights on the Lake Dog Walk 2019

      November 14, 2019

      Uncommon Companions: Local pet store sticks to its niche

      May 30, 2019

      Dog Food for Thought: Trying to keep your pet from your plate

      May 30, 2019

      Summer Learning Loss is Real

      June 1, 2023

      A Day for Dad

      June 1, 2023

      Crash Course: Help your child brush up on study skills for final exams

      May 1, 2023

      A Day Just for Mom: Mother’s Day celebrations and gifts she’ll treasure

      May 1, 2023
    • Health
      1. Child Development
      2. Food
      3. Nutrition
      4. The “Recipe Doctor”
      5. View All

      Financial Literacy for Families: How parents can teach children, teens about money management

      April 1, 2022

      Strangers Bearing Advice: New babies bring out the expert in everyone

      August 1, 2021

      Choosing a Daycare: Learn As You Grow’s Joshua LaGrow offers some tips for finding the right fit

      August 1, 2021

      A Little Jolt: Caffeine’s risks for kids and teens

      March 1, 2021

      Berries and Cream Croissant Breakfast Casserole

      June 1, 2023

      Prep Work: Keep your family’s food safe this summer

      June 1, 2022

      Nutrition in No Time: Are you always on the go? These tips will help you stay on track.

      January 1, 2022

      Easy Holiday Recipes: Are you searching for some new dishes this season? These are some of our favorites.

      November 1, 2021

      Nutrition in No Time: Are you always on the go? These tips will help you stay on track.

      January 1, 2022

      Liking Lunch: Best bets for serving kids a delicious, nutritious meal

      September 1, 2021

      A Little Jolt: Caffeine’s risks for kids and teens

      March 1, 2021

      Better Choices: How about a resolution to eat vegetables and other nutritious foods?

      January 1, 2021

      Best Friend’s Treats: Bake up some special dog biscuits

      June 1, 2018

      Colorful Soup in a Jar: Give the gift of winter comfort

      December 1, 2015

      Berry Good! Use a summer favorite in this ice cream

      July 1, 2015

      Flapjack Fever: Even pancakes can be a healthy breakfast

      June 1, 2015

      Treat Yourself: Explore restored wetlands, more at Canastota’s Great Swamp Conservancy

      June 1, 2023

      Berries and Cream Croissant Breakfast Casserole

      June 1, 2023

      Treat Yourself: Watch a show – or two – at Redhouse Arts Center

      May 1, 2023

      315 Bulletin

      May 1, 2023
    • Travel
    • Education
      1. Educator of the Month
      2. Class of the Month
      3. Education News
      4. Reading
      5. Teaching
      Featured

      Summer Learning Loss is Real

      By Kimberly BlakerJune 1, 20236
      Recent

      Summer Learning Loss is Real

      June 1, 2023

      Lzay Colella, Lead Instructor for Le Moyne College’s Summer Arts Institute Musical Theatre Camp

      June 1, 2023

      Ben Borenstein, Education Coordinator at Redhouse Arts Center

      May 1, 2023
    • Crafts & DIY
      • Create
      • Holiday Crafts
    Family TimesFamily Times
    Home»Holidays»Christmas»The Tree in the Forest: In search of a Christmas evergreen
    The Tree in the Forest
    Christmas

    The Tree in the Forest: In search of a Christmas evergreen

    Laura Livingston SnyderBy Laura Livingston SnyderDecember 1, 2021No Comments0 Views
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Of all the traditions a parent could follow while raising children, getting the annual Christmas tree is probably one of the most memorable. No two seasons are ever exactly the same, and the stages the kids go through change significantly from year to year.

    Getting a Christmas tree in Central New York is an ever-changing event. Back in 2004, we tried to wait out the snowless weather. The entry in my journal on Dec. 12 complained if we waited any longer it would be Christmas. The day turned out to be rain-free without any lines.

    Generally, I like to stay at places at least as long as the time it takes to arrive there. So, with about a half-hour to get to Granger’s Christmas Tree Farm in Mexico, I felt we should at least make an effort to walk through the fields. My father-in-law, being a bit older than us, found his tree two rows in and began sawing away. The hubby immediately got excited, but no. I encouraged him to keep searching to get more out of the experience.

    The tree we found was perfect and full. Each year I name our trees and that one was Majestic. Unfortunately, a 150-pound tree is very difficult to drag without snow to glide on, especially since it hung over the plastic sled. And it felt like a quarter-mile from civilization. It was covered in mud by the time we made it back to the barn to pay. Then, once we were home, we had to prop it up and get out the hose to clean the thing off. Soaking wet, it weighed even more and was impossible to shake dry, especially since it chose then to start raining. So, it froze again while we waited for it to stop dripping.

    We were also new to estimating size. It may have looked modest while outside among other trees, but once we finally got it indoors, we realized either our house was incredibly short, or the tree was impossibly tall. Too late, we discovered Majestic was a nine-foot monster as it left a huge mark across the stucco finish when we pulled it upright on the short end of the cathedral ceiling to the high end. After it was anchored in, it thawed and relaxed, growing wider and wider. It just barely fit in its designated area near the doorway. That was the season we had problems maneuvering each time we came in and left the house. A ladder was necessary to add the angel, and the mark on the ceiling was a constant reminder of that Christmas adventure for over two decades.

    Then there was the year my husband was on the floor with the baby, Danielle, during tummy time when a huge, black spider awoke in the warm heat of the house and made its way across the floor next to him. Stomach to sprinting in two seconds flat!

    For the longest time I worked every other weekend, so the month of December was limited for holiday traditions. Mother Nature usually had different ideas for those dates. We’ve been on open wagon rides in minus 10 degrees, bundled up so only our eyes were exposed, looking a lot like Ralphie’s little brother, Randy, from A Christmas Story. Some years had two feet of fresh snow we thought we’d lose the kids in (I think winter hats with red flags on top would really sell in those conditions.) A few mild winters have had us out only in thick sweaters, posing for pictures as if we were advertising for L.L. Bean.

    Trimming the tree has also had its challenges along the way. It only takes one time to realize grooming the branches will result in oozing sap where they’ve been cut, so now I only wear old clothes. We also make sure the tree stand is the appropriate size, and bungee cord our tree to a so it won’t fall. Again.

    My biggest challenge used to be allowing the kids to decorate the tree, or more accurately, the same branch. This was done until it was weighed down with silver and gold, crying uncle. I’m particular about spacing and, well, children aren’t. To be fair, they are only so tall. I give a lot of credit to my mother, who appreciates precision, too. I remember when my brother and I were little and would run to her to be given the next bulb or ribbon to be hung. If she “adjusted” them later, I never caught on. Anyway, I’m much better these days, knowing how quickly the years turn toddlers into teens. Everyone can marvel over the fresh pine smell and perfect needles, and comment on the homemade ornaments from Years Past that will always adorn our family evergreen.

    No matter the weather, we’ve strengthened our family as we’ve laughed in the fresh air, searched, and found the perfect tree, and made lasting memories.

    Cutting and caring for a fresh tree

    • Be sure to wear boots, gloves, and old clothes. Don’t forget the camera!
    • Decide on the best tree for your family.
    • Choose a tree with a straight trunk.
    • Saw off a straight edge, and remove bottom branches with a saw so the tree will fit firmly in the stand. Avoid trimming the sides of the trunk to fit the stand; have the stand fit the trunk.
    • Shake off excess needles and snow before taking indoors.
    • If the tree is pre-cut, use a saw to take off about an inch at the base to remove the seal the sap made over the initial cut.
    • Once in the stand, secure without overtightening. Fill the water well as soon as possible. The temperature of the water doesn’t matter. The tree will drink the most the first few days, so replenish as needed.
    • Keep trees away from heat sources and use low heat producing lights.
    • Keeping the tree in a cooler room and using miniature lights will reduce the drying of the tree.
    • Evergreens are 100% biodegradable so don’t forget to recycle!

    Source: realchristmastrees.org

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Telegram Email
    Laura Livingston Snyder
    • Website

    Laura Livingston Snyder is a writer and mother of four who lives north of Syracuse. She blogs at freshapplesnyder.com.

    Related Posts

    A Recycled Creation: Use cardboard tubes to make this Valentine’s Day craft

    February 1, 2022

    Fertility is a Journey. Here’s Mine.

    November 1, 2021

    Easy Holiday Recipes: Are you searching for some new dishes this season? These are some of our favorites.

    November 1, 2021
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    Top Posts

    Summer Activities Guide

    June 1, 202330

    Wondrous Waterfalls

    June 1, 202325

    Lzay Colella, Lead Instructor for Le Moyne College’s Summer Arts Institute Musical Theatre Camp

    June 1, 202318

    Treat Yourself: Watch a show – or two – at Redhouse Arts Center

    May 1, 202315
    Flip Through Our Latest Issue!
    Recent Posts
    • Treat Yourself: Explore restored wetlands, more at Canastota’s Great Swamp Conservancy
    • Explore CNY: Cazenovia has something for every age
    • Summer Learning Loss is Real
    • 315 Bulletin
    • Berries and Cream Croissant Breakfast Casserole

    Family Times Magazine publishes a digital magazine highlighting events, businesses, and content to inform and entertain families here in Central New York. Sign up for our twice monthly newsletter to have the magazine and other featured content.
    ____

    Email Us: [email protected]
    Contact: 1.315.422.7011

    Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn RSS
    Our Picks

    Treat Yourself: Explore restored wetlands, more at Canastota’s Great Swamp Conservancy

    June 1, 2023

    Explore CNY: Cazenovia has something for every age

    June 1, 2023

    Summer Learning Loss is Real

    June 1, 2023
    Most Popular

    Summer Activities Guide

    June 1, 202330

    Wondrous Waterfalls

    June 1, 202325

    Lzay Colella, Lead Instructor for Le Moyne College’s Summer Arts Institute Musical Theatre Camp

    June 1, 202318
    © 2023 All Times Publishing. Designed by Crossroads Media Productions.
    • Our Authors
    • Archives
    • Community Events Calendar
    • Advertising

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Go to mobile version