As a kid I remember the yearly hunts for our Christmas tree. Dad in his truck, with my sister and I looking for a rogue tree. I use the word rogue because we've always opted for Radiata pines. These trees, although planted in large plantations by landholders and Forests NSW as a sustainable timber source, are listed as a weed when outside these boundaries. This year I tossed up buying an artificial tree. I looked around and saw some beautiful trees but I kept thinking about the smell of pine in the house and having that breath of green which has been a part of my Christmas since I was a child. So I was really chuffed when I found a local nursery selling beautifully shaped, purpose grown Radiata pines for Rotary. By purchasing our tree here we were not only bypassing the work of looking for our own tree but we were contributing to a worthwhile charity....and maintaining a family tradition.
Undressing the tree is always touched with a little sadness and sentimentality for me because it really brings home that it is the end of Solstice and Christmas for another year...my very most favourite time of year. Amidst the chaos and fast pace that December brings this time of year means, making and giving, baking and eating, magic and loved ones.
Just before bringing in the New Year we undressed our tree. As each decoration came down I was thinking about what we would do with our tree. The thought of composting or placing it in the green waste didn't seem quite fitting for something so special.
So on our first super hot Summer day, with sweat trickling I resized our tree and stacked it ready for our Winter Solstice fire. Our Christmas tree will keep on bringing warmth and magic when the days are cold and nights long. A new tradition that fits well and makes me smile.
warmly
Cxo
