Remember four years ago when we thought we’d try a new family tradition? Lucie was a tiny little two-month old, and we went hunting for a wild Christmas tree in Mount Hood National Forest.
I don’t want to be too confident, but I’d say we found the recipe for our new version of holiday cheer. Though, spoken as an ever-learning parent, I’d also say check in next year to see how it actually pans out…with a toddler.
– Bethany, 2013
We made it twice with the ritual [2013 and 2014], then bagged it the next two years in favor of easier pickings at my family’s Christmas tree farm (when I was pregnant with Marion [2015] and then juggling two under three [2016]).
This year with the girls a little older (and with a borrowed pickup from my parents!), we decided to trek to the mountain again.
Cutting a Christmas Tree in the National Forest
They key to success? (As ever, in my world.) A doughnut pit stop right across the street from the hardware store selling Christmas tree permits.
Tree Hunting Tradition Observations:
It’s not as easy as it sounds to find a tree in the forest.
A good maple bar makes mama happy.
Leftover brisket is great mountain man snack food.
It’s so silly and fun to decorate a tree with a four year old who’s jazzed to stay up past her bedtime and make things “more beautifuler.”
It’s the best ever watching a one year old wake up the next morning and walk into the living room to find a tree magically alight.
Traditions are worth it.
Bring on the mistletoe and merriment!
Joe’s Donuts – Sandy, OR
Mt. Hood National Forest $5.00 Christmas Tree Permits
Oregon Live’s Tree Hunting How-To
Our Tree Hunting Notes (scroll to the bottom of the post)
I’m ready to change up the destination next year, though I feel like asking for suggestions is akin to inquiring about prized mushroom hunting spots and subject to the same silent response. That said…anyone who wants to clue me in to a better patch of woodland, leave me a comment or send me a note! And bonus points if there are doughnuts on the way…
3 Comments
Love this! We do the same! And hdbd for 31 years! Happy to share our “secret” spots! PS see you at FFw next week and Writers Connection the following week’ – glad we connected through hope Writers!
Love this post!
Bethany and Ted, hank you for sharing your adventurous, fun, family adventure.
Cornelia, Would you be so kind to share your “secure” spots. We are going to head up tomorrow (Fri 11/26/20).
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!
Would welcome a tips on ‘better’ finds. We’ll be mixing up our tradition and going into the forest this year (vs tree farm) and taking our adult niece. BTW, we agree, Joe’s is a MUST stop.