Our First Yule Tree

The Decision

After much discussion about the environmental impact of different kinds of trees and how to handle the cats and a tree, we finally decided to go with a fresh cut tree. We knew we needed something large and stable enough to handle either of our jungle cats going for a climb. We also knew we wanted to go with a tree that was as environmentally friendly as possible. We ruled out an artificial tree for two very important reasons: 1) the cats eat them despite the fact that they cannot digest them and 2) that’s a lot of plastic for an all natural woman like me to have to handle.

The Tree

One day, Robert was stopping by Whole Foods on his way home and gave me a call to see what I needed from the grocery. I replied, “milk and a Christmas tree.” He purchased a Fraser Fir, which smells heavenly, and a stand that would stabilize it well for possible cat climbers. Also, the tag on the tree said that the farm where it is from plants two new trees for each tree that is cut down. The tag mentioned more about the origins of the tree and the farm, but, sadly, I cannot find it right now. I will add to the post if I find it, but there is a blog post about trees from Whole Foods that can give you more information.

 

The Snafu

A few days later, I was very concerned that the tree wouldn’t soak up the water it needed if we didn’t cut off the bottom part of the trunk as advised on the tag. I took the ornaments down, bought a saw (and led lights), clipped the lowest boughs, and sawed off the very bottom. I sat it back in its stand and stabilized it with the screw thingys and was very proud of my initiative…until I looked at the tree. It was very, very crooked. Fortunately, Robert came home from work early that day and straightened out the…ahem…situation. That evening, we decorated the tree together, complete with lights and beaded garland. It was a fun tradition to start and the tree looked beautiful.

Our Cozy Fire and Mantel Decor

The Holiday

For our first Christmas together, we stayed home and had a nice quiet holiday. It snowed almost all day. There was no accumulation, but it was beautiful to watch. We built a beautiful fire and opened our gifts in front of it. Benny even scored big with his holiday gift…perhaps too big.

The bone that was bigger than Benny.

Benny enjoying his bone by the fire.