Welcome to Day 2 of Memorable Christmas Tradition ideas (say that five times fast!) I’d also like to introduce you to Ryan Brooks—or re-introduce you if you’ve read Providence. Ryan is Melissa Bainbridge’s older brother. He stood by her through the most challenging year of her life, and he’s back to offer the same to Elaina Hensley. Ryan’s an outdoor-kind-of-guy, so I thought it appropriate to share a tradition that he’d latch onto quicker than you can say, “Merry Christmas.”
When my kids were little, it was a tradition of ours to take them out to the woods and chop down our own Christmas tree. There is nothing like the scent of pine, crunch of snow underfoot, and rosy-cheeked kids excited by an adventure (even if it wanes now and then). Maybe you already do this—it’s not unheard of, after all, but in case this is a new concept, let me give you some sage advice from one who’s been there.
Even though it’s tempting to sneak onto private land to bag a tree, you might want to consider going to a Christmas tree farm instead. Their trees are designed for just such an occasion. My husband and I lived on 20 acres in northern California at the foot of the Sierra Nevadas. With his frugal nature, he figured why waste good money on a tree when he had a virtual forest of them surrounding us? These trees, however, were not your blue spruce or whatever types make for perfect ornament hanging. Those that were small enough to fit into our little cabin were also sparse of limbs and weak in the trunk. The last tree we cut down from our own property, he literally drilled holes into the sides of the trunk and attached branches from a second tree, so it didn’t look like a Charlie Brown reject. That’s when I finally put my foot down.
Not only are the trees groomed for home use on a Christmas tree farm, but these businesses will often have fun activities and treats for the kids. A hot cup of cocoa goes a long way to soothe a grumpy teen who has to trek through acres of trees until Mom finds just the right one. Special memories can be made with such a tradition.
Fairy tales and wishing upon stars are for those who still believe in romance.
Sometimes misplaced trust injures more than ourselves, and doesn’t Elaina Hensley know it. When her oldest daughter is left suffering the consequences, Elaina vows to protect her girls at any cost. Nothing, not even her own happiness, will sway her again.
Or will it?
She’s got this protective self-denial down pat—right up to the moment her best friend’s brother arrives on the scene like a fairytale knight, vowing to slay all her dragons. She must—she will resist.
However, when her worst nightmare comes back to haunt her, Elaina has to admit she needs that white knight on her side.
Be sure to click here to enter for a chance to win an ebook copy of Saving Faith. For a limited time, you can receive the ebook edition of Wish Upon a Star the special price of only $2.99. Grab your copy here. If you haven’t yet entered Wednesday’s entry, be sure to click here. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for another Christmas tradition idea and enter another giveaway!
Comments 4
Most Christmas tree farms offer a wonderful family experience that people should enjoy at least once and maybe every year. In fact, I love them so much, my new short novel, Christmas Tree Wars features two feuding neighboring Christmas tree farmers that rediscover the reason for the season 🙂
Author
That sounds like a fun read! Can’t wait.
Christmas is my favorite time of the year.
Author
Mine, too. There is a joy this time of year like none other!