by Ren Huff

Created on: December 27, 2008   Last Updated: January 02, 2009

One of the most exciting family traditions of the Christmas season for my family is that of visiting a Christmas Tree Farm, picking out our own special tree, allowing each person in the family a turn at using the saw to cut down the tree, then bringing it home and decorating it. Afterwards we sit and have hot chocolate around the tree while discussing our wishes for presents. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? Well, it wasn't this particular year.

We recently moved to a new state. We weren't even sure if there was such a thing as a Christmas Tree Farm here. After googling online I found a few local farms. So we all gathered in the van and set off in search of that perfect tree.

After finding the first farm out in the boondocks, we became a bit discouraged. The children were becoming restless and cranky. The farm was mostly bare. What Christmas trees they did have were more of the "Charlie Brown" style. We didn't even bother getting out of the van. We just drove on.

After more than an hour of driving we finally found the perfect Christmas Tree Farm. There were hundreds of trees to choose from. The owners even supplied a hayride and hot chocolate for the kids. It was definitely family-oriented and helped to get us in the Christmas mood.

After much disagreement on what the best Christmas tree would be for us, my husband made the final decision and picked a Virginia Pine. It had an orange smell to it instead of the usual pine smell. I wasn't so sure I would like it but the decision was made. Quite frankly, I was ready to move on due to four bored children who were, at this point, upset at their father for not picking their tree.

After an extended period of roping the tree to the van so we wouldn't lose it on the drive home, we finally made our way home. We were all excited. Christmas season had officially begun.

Setting up and decorating the tree was fun...to a point. I have four children who wanted the tree to look four different ways. Therefore, there was more arguing than there was cheer at that point. But hey, we finished the decorating and were looking forward to the quietness of hot chocolate around the tree.

As we gathered round, I noticed a bug on my leg. Granted, the tree just came fresh from the forest. I killed the bug and continued enjoying the time with my family. It was enjoyable.

Days went by, even weeks. The tree was beautiful. I did notice it beginning to droop. The ornaments were beginning to fall off. We kept the tree watered. There shouldn't have been any

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