Friday, October 19, 2007

Christmas Tree: NC to DC

North Carolina is known for its abundance of tree farms. For the past several years we have taken advantage of this wonderful state resource. In early December we will once again take a day trip to one of the "choose 'n cut" tree farms. Our favorite one is aptly named "Top of the Mountain Christmas Tree Farm". After looking over row after winding row of Fraser firs, we will pick out our perfect one. The farm staff will cut our chosen tree, bale it and then load it in the back of our pickup. What a way to begin the Christmas season. I regret that we started this tradition only a few years ago - Melanie and Will had already flown from the nest.

It was recently announced that another North Carolina tree farm, Mistletoe Meadows, will be providing the official White House Christmas tree - a 20 foot Fraser fir which will be placed in the Blue Room. A nationwide contest determines which tree farm will be represented in the White House and North Carolina has won this distinction 10 times since this program began in 1966. The owners of the tree farm will make a trip to the White House to ceremoniously present their tree to First Lady Laura Bush. No doubt the North Carolinians will be thrilled with this honor.

In about 7 weeks we will be heading to "The Top of the Mountain" to find our own tree. I am looking forward to this annual holiday ritual.

1 comment:

Chris said...

Somehow going to the Top of the Mountain has a bit more tradition to it than going to the local grocery store parking lot to get the tree.