It is hard to believe that Christmas is over and today is New Years Eve!
It is our Christmas tradition to get our Christmas tree from the forest near our house, and that is what we did!
This was back in the middle of December, and there wasn’t a lot of snow at this point. It is always challenging because this is at about 9000+ feet elevation, and there is a lot of walking to do, plus lugging a tree on the way back! Every year we tell ourselves we need to get in better shape! However, the views are pretty awesome!
We finally found our tree, and my husband got to do the honors
This year, we decided to place the tree on a tarp and drag the tarp back to our car, rather than carry the tree.
We took turns dragging it, but he did most of the work.
And then it is also tradition to have white peppermint hot cocoa when we get back home. Yum!
My husband decorated the tree … I must admit that is not my favorite part! This year, my mother-in-law gave us this Christmas tree skirt .. I love it!
We had a pretty low-key Christmas, due to the fact we both were working. We decided to do the adult thing and not give each other Christmas gifts this year, mainly due to financial reasons. Of course my hubby had to get me something – so I got a rosemary wreath! It smells sooo good!
I’m not one for doing looking back posts – I would rather look forward to what lies ahead. This year has been pretty challenging for me –unfortunately cancer took a few close friends, which really affected me and caused me to think about what really is important in life. My trip to India also really made me stop and think about what I want to spend my time on, and what really doesn’t matter. It has been a very introspective year! I am really looking forward to a new year with new adventures in store for us!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family to yours!
That is some serious scenery Jane. Gorgeous! What a terrific tradition. My husband and I generally don’t give each other gifts for any occasion. Though I mentioned this year he got a few necessities and one fun gift that is really for both of us.
White peppermint hot cocoa sounds delicious right now.
I’m sorry for your losses this year. The holidays are always particularly difficult when a loved one passes. I wish you a joy filled new year and lots of happiness this year.
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You are right–the views are awesome! You guys are so cute too. I’m sorry again for the loss of your friends. Hugs.
2012 was an interesting year and for me, I’m sad to see it go but am looking forward to all the possibilities around the corner. As always, I’m looking forward to reading about your cookery and projects.
Cheers!
I love that you can just go out and chop down a tree close to home! I don’t even know where we’d have to drive. They’re everywhere in Wichita, but city property and the size of a 3 story building-lol. We also had a low-key Christmas and decided we weould go shopping together after Christmas and pick out our own gifts. Of course Dennis cheated and got me earrings and Baking with The Cake Boss cookbook so I feel like a loser-lol. Love your rosemary wreath! I bet it makes the house smell wonderful, and maybe you can even cook with it before it dries up, or even after! Thanks for including a pic of Sammy, he’s such a cutie-pie.
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You always make me smile! I’m glad you got something for Christmas – makes it more fun!
What nice traditions! I hope you got Sammy a toy or treat, though.
He did
He got a big box of Greenies — his favorite treats. He is a pretty spoiled dog!
I like your traditions, drinking the white peppermint cocoa, getting your tree in the beautiful mountains– and it’s a nice tree, too, it does not look all odd and scraggly like most truly natural trees. Happy memories and minimal cost, you have a good thing going for Christmas. I also like how you delegated the task you didn’t like, trimming the tree, good teamwork there. I’m sorry for your losses, I have had too many friends and family go through cancer.
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Cancer is sooo hard .. you just never know what will happen. Thank you for your kind words!
Those are some gorgeous views! You guys are adorable, and I love your traditions. I hope that 2013 is a great one for you!
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I hope 2013 is great for you as well!
We decided once and only once to cut down our own tree when our kids were little – 8 and 11. We go out there, ask about prices, and the cheapest ones were $65 dollars, and it was like 10 degrees. We went to the local VFW parking lot, they wrapped it up, but it on our car and it was $19!
Your views are stunning though! Happy New Year Jane!
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Wow really? We just have to buy a $10 permit, so it is way cheaper for us to cut it down ourselves!
Cutting down a christmas tree is such a treat and great tradition. The mountain scenery is gorgeous too!
I am sorry to hear that you had to face some hardships concerning friends with cancer. Dealing with loved ones who have cancer is always tough emotionally but you’re right it really does inspire reflection.
Hope that 2013 is filled with health for you and your friends/family
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Thanks so much
I didn’t write about it alot, but it was a tough year. However, I am looking forward to the new in 2013! Who knows what it will bring!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! I can’t believe you all get your tree from a forest close to your home! Too fun!!!
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It is a lot of fun! Happy new year to you too!
I love that you cut your own trees too. I also can and it is the same as you $10 and doesn’t matter the size
I didn’t have one this year because we didn’t know where we would be but, I still like the tradition. The wreath is very pretty, we kind of did the same thing this year. Happy New Year!!
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At least we aren’t the only ones! lol I do love the wreath … tomorrow I am going to see if I can transplant it into a bigger pot! I hope it survives!
I hope this comment works, it seems like my others are disappearing! Happy New year!
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I’m getting your comments I think! Thanks Rhonda – Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Jane! I really enjoyed this particular post. Great pictures, too. As we live in a rural area, we drove a couple of kilometres up the road from our property and cut a perfectly developed Christmas tree from the side of the road (Regional District – rather than residential – property, I suppose)…at zero cost. Our village is littered with evergreen trees and I’ve also tagged close to 40 future “candidates” on our 12.7 acre property. As our daughter once said: “It’s tradition. That’s why they call it a tradition!” Keep up your fine work. Cheers…”Farmer Doug” @ Ladybug’s Mew in Yellow Point (on Vancouver Island), B.C. Canada
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That’s great! I do love traditions .. since ours was in Natural Forest land they do make us pay a minimal cost, but after we are done with the tree in our house, we save the wood for firewood
Have a great night!