Last Sunday, like so many other families, we set out to find our Holiday tree. What was most exciting about this is how short a distance we had to travel to find it. At the top of our 7 acres of land, someone at some point planted a little forest of mixed Douglas-fir and true fir, and many are just the right height for bringing indoors. Last year we cut our first tree for this homestead on a snowy day with sleds in tow. This year it was nearly 50 degrees and we picked a few chanterelles along the way. What can I say… life in Oregon is dynamic.
We hiked up the hill on our trail we just spruced up, and spent a little time looking around the young forest at the top of our property until we found just the right fir tree. One of the barn cats even followed along to offer help and moral support.
Corey felled our chosen tree in no time and we figured since we were already up there and cutting things down was the activity of the day, we might as well take out some invasive species that were due for removal. We cleared a patch of Scotch broom for a future burn pile, making it a very productive day all around.
We also had some invasive young holly trees that needed removing, so I cut down one with lots of bright red berries and harvested the sprigs for wreaths and greenery.
My son was glad to use the loppers and helped prune some extra boughs for making wreaths.
It was a good feeling to know we harvested all our own Holiday greens from our own land.
Corey carried our tree down the trail and through the woods, with the rest of us laden down with boughs and holly, and we proceeded to deck the halls and drink hot chocolate.
With a home grown tree lighting up the living room, handmade wreaths on the front door and table, and wildcrafted mistletoe sprigs hanging from the ceiling, it’s feeling very festive around our homestead. Now comes the fun of wrapping gifts and waiting for some snow.
We hope you are all enjoying some winter festivities as well!
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