Traditions are one of the most important parts of the holiday season. Many people share similar family traditions, yet there are always a few tiny changes setting them apart from others. This could be as simple as one extra teaspoon of sugar in Grandma’s pudding, playing a homemade game consisting of money jackpots to stir up mischief, or wearing particular clothes, like fuzzy socks, to dinner.
One tradition my family never let die is cutting down a fresh Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. This goes back to my mom growing up on a Christmas tree farm in Hart, Michigan, when the town didn’t start celebrating Christmas until the Friday after Thanksgiving, when it hosted its annual Christmas parade. Honoring her past, as soon as Thanksgiving dinner is over, my mom starts gathering up all the fall decorations, instantly stowing them away and replacing them with her Christmas décor.
“You aren’t allowed to decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving,” my grandma and mom would always say.
Although my grandparents are no longer with us, nor is their farm, my mom found a Christmas tree farm where she is still able to find her favorite type of tree, a Frazier fir.
“We have to get a Frazier, otherwise the pine needles will fall off too soon,” my mom always argued. So, sure enough, we always end up taking home a Frazier tree cut down by my father and his chainsaw skills.
Picking out a tree to suit our living room and having the fresh smell of pine brings back years of memories. I was fortunate enough to be home for the holidays this year to participate in this tradition. Although I had to leave the following day, picking out the tree always used to make decorating for the holidays that much more special. Plastic, boxed trees are convenient, but similar to reading a digital book as opposed to a hard copy — it’s just not the same.
I love going to Church’s Tree Farm because it is family-owned and -operated and allows families the chance to purchase a pre-cut tree or to hop on a wagon ride to find a tree to cut down. They have a garage filled with hot cocoa, peppermints and roasted chestnuts, making the experience that much more festive and special.
Whether you are cutting down your own tree or pulling one out of storage, there’s no better holiday than Christmas when it comes to traditions.
— Christyn Pek, business development executive
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 25, 2024Former Massachusetts Glasses Factory Transforms into New Hotel
In the late 1800s, eyeglass manufacturer George Washington Wells became the founder and owner of the largest eyeglass company in the town by merging with several smaller lens manufacturers in Southbridge, Massachusetts. By the early 1900s, Wells was running the largest eyeglass manufacturing company in the world, owning several factories in Southbridge and occupying more than 80 acres on both sides of the Quinebaug River. It was called the American Optical Company, known locally in town as “AO.”
Sponsored Content
A New Perspective on Incentive Travel
Incentive travel has long been a way for organizations to drive sales and reward employees with opulent trips to exotic destinations. Today it encompasses even more.
Daily
Apr 25, 2024This Travel Operator Brings You to an Active Icelandic Volcano
Recently, Iceland has gained the attention of several travel enthusiasts due to recent media coverage showcasing epic lava flows and bursts of white ash smoke. For those wishing to see this in person, Abercrombie & Kent released guided tours and itineraries to Beerenberg Volcano, one of the northernmost active volcanoes in the world.
Daily
Apr 25, 2024Hôtel Royal Unveils evian SPA, the First in Europe
Hôtel Royal Evian Resort, France, recently debuted its all-new evian SPA, the only one in Europe and inspired by the water cycle found in nature.
Sponsored Content
Experience Luxury and Tranquility at Hamad International Airport’s Hotel
Known as one of the best airports in the world and voted Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveler readers, Hamad International Airport aims to set new standards for the airport industry that exceed the expectations of travelers through its facility.
Daily
Apr 24, 2024Summer, Unplugged: Get Cozy at These Digital Detox Destinations
There is a cure for summertime blues in the digital age: Find yourself a beautiful country inn, cabin or retreat far in spirit from the maddening crowds and distractions of daily life. Next, unplug, relax and don’t look back.
Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh Review
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 24, 2024Wolf by Vanderpump Opens at Harveys Lake Tahoe
Daily
Apr 24, 2024Lufthansa’s Allegris Takes Off May 1
eFlyer News
Apr 24, 2024eFlyer Deals
Apr 24, 2024Experience the Ultimate Stargazer’s Paradise at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
Escape to a place where the skies are free from light pollution and blanketed in stars. At Arizona’s JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, guests can enjoy the stars like never before with the new Celestial Retreat: A Stargazer’s Paradise offer.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
eFlyer Deals
Apr 24, 2024Celebrate Opal Collection’s 10th Anniversary with Special Meeting Offer
Opal Collection commemorates its 10th anniversary with a special celebration offer. Guests are invited to join in on the celebrations and receive exclusive incentives like complimentary guestrooms, upgrades and turndown gifts, as well as a complimentary Champagne toast and $1,000 Opal Collection gift card for the meeting planner.
ShareThis