Concierge Christmas Trees

Last Saturday, we embarked on our annual tradition of selecting our Christmas tree.

In years past, this tradition has involved driving to a cut-your-own tree farm, wandering around the woods in the brisk cold air, while I systematically rule out every tree in sight.  After tromping around for a while,  I come to realize that I’m just not going to find my dream tree in a field of Scotch Pines.  While I LOVE the CYO experience, I now realize, I love Fraser Firs more, and sadly … they just don’t grow in our climate.

This year, with 3 kids in tow, we decided to bypass the outdoor insanity and embraced a suburban lunacy — visiting Home Depot on a Saturday morning.  It was bitter cold, the kids were unsuitably dressed (their own doing, but it didn’t stem the complaints).  Worst of all – they didn’t even have any Fraser Firs!  They had plenty of balsam firs, but I felt if I was sacrificing my Norman Rockwellian dream of cutting down the perfect tree, it had to be for my actual hearts desire.

Feeling disappointed about the lack of selection, I recalled passing the local garden center on our way to HD and remembered how many trees seemed to be on display.  We knew we’d pay more, but didn’t want to trek all over the county, so we hopped back in the car and drove to Merrifield.  Once we stepped onto the grounds, and saw the abundance of beautiful trees, I knew we’d made the right choice.

Almost immediately, a worker approached us and asked if we needed any help.  We shared our requirements and led the way to a bunch of lovely trees.  He left us to ponder our choices.  Mike and I discussed while the kids grumped.  They were cold and miserable and not about to enjoy this festive outing.

After we made our choice, another worker was standing by to take our tree to give it a fresh cut, shake the loose needles, trim low branches etc.  While he was doing that, I took the kids into the heated store area, where we feasted on their free cider, punch and cookies.  Their attitudes improved markedly.

Meanwhile, back outside in the cold …

Yet more workers were busily tying our tree to our car.  Mike had lamented that he forgot his gloves, but he didn’t have to lift a finger!

Perhaps the best part about the experience at Merrifield is their Santa exhibit.  They have a separate building converted into a winter wonderland where the “real Santa” is there to visit with kids on weekends and evenings.  When we popped in, he was conducting his press conference, answering questions like “how do reindeer fly” and the like.  But the best part about this kind hearted Santa, is that he understands the true meaning of Christmas and the real reason to celebrate.  He does a wonderful job of pointing to Christ and there are scriptures and things on the walls.  It is a lovely display and really well done (even if the noon press conference ran a little long for our preschool and under crowd).

Adam was enthralled by everything in the room, he kept leaning back to look up at the ceiling.

So, that was our concierge Christmas tree shopping experience.

I think we just started a new tradition!