“When can we get a real tree?” was the constant question from our oldest. She was bound and determined to get to go and find the perfect tree for in our house. Seems someone is just like their mom and becomes full of all things Christmas this time of year. This is the first Christmas that we were going to be finding a Christmas tree, in true Raincouver fashion… during a torrential downpour.
Photo Credit Julie Christine Photography
FIGURE OUT WHAT TREE FARM YOU WANT TO GO TO
There are lots of great Christmas tree farms in the Lower Mainland. We knew we wanted to go somewhere that had all sorts of different types of trees that we could wander through and select from. We also had hopes of being able to grab a cup of hot chocolate after.
One kept getting mentioned to us every time we asked friends and family where they went to get their tree, Fernridge Christmas Tree Forest. It only took seconds for Tamara to realize, after looking it up, that she went to school with the son of the family who owns this tree farm. Small world moment!
This location had everything we wanted. A large selection of different types of trees. Ready cut and ones you could go and cut down yourself. They even provided saws and wagons you could take out with you. Plus twine to tie up your tree after. The big thing that won us over, hot drinks to enjoy afterward. There were even candy canes!
FIND YOUR PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE
We pretty much went “over the river and through the woods” to find out tree. The rain was coming down in buckets this day. Thanks Raincouver for living up to your nickname. The little tree farm had lots of large puddles, Evie was even calling some lakes they were so big. Through the eyes of the girls, we could understand why.
The ongoing thought was that we wanted a tree as tall as Daddy, maybe shorter like Mommy. We walked past several rows of trees and headed to the back area of the farm and came across a Douglas Fir we all really liked. We actually walked passed it and continued to look a bit more, but went back knowing it was the one for us.
Just what were we looking for in a tree? We want a tapered shape for sure, this is what we are used to and like from our fake tree. We wanted something with soft-ish needles because you know you’ll end up stepping on one or two that fall to the ground throughout the Christmas season. We also liked the scent of it. All around, it was the perfect tree for us.
SO, YOU FOUND THE PERFECT TREE… WHAT ABOUT BRINGING IT HOME?
Jason was given the task of cutting down the tree in the wet soggy ground. He actually managed to stay fairly dry. The saw we borrowed from the farm made quick work of going through the trunk of the tree. It was loaded onto the little wagon quickly. We all wanted to get out of the rain and start warming up.
The girls wanted to have a go at pulling the wagon and did a fine job of pulling it. Many other patrons to the farm had smiles come across their faces as they watched our two wee girls pull with all their might and work together to get it to the front of the farm where we could pay for it. Everyone enjoyed some a hot drink to warm up after being in the rain. The girls even had some hot dogs to eat. Why do those always taste so much better when outside on a soggy day? Jason got the tree up on the car and all tied down with the straps we keep in the car for tethering, and away we went.
We started asking all the questions about how to care for the tree once we got home. Oops, probably should have done that before. We followed a lot of the recommendations we were given. Leaving the tree to acclimatize. Giving it a good thud to knock and insects out. Using some warm water with tree food. Plus, cutting a bit of the trunk off again for a fresh cut that had no hardened sap yet, before putting it in the stand with water.
So far, so good. Our tree is doing well and decorated inside. Though, we still do not have a tree topper yet. For some reason, this year, a star just does not seem right. We are on the lookout for the perfect angel to put on our tree. If you know of somewhere that is a must to look, please let us know.
DO YOU HAVE A REAL TREE OR A FAKE TREE IN YOUR HOME AT CHRISTMAS TIME?
Although wet, this looked extremely memorable. So cute! That tree the girls were pointing at, the mini one, Sofia cried knowing likely nobody would take it, so 2 years ago that was our tree 🙂 On the up side it was super easy to decorate, and dispose of. LOL
Sofia has such a sweet heart. Easy disposal is a win in my books too!
What gorgeous photographs and a beautiful family memory! We have had an artificial tree since having kids, but this year we have room in our new house for two trees. We actually took one home from the cabin because it needed to be cut down anyway. It’s very “rustic.” 😀
We got a real tree for the first time ever. Neither me or my husband had ever had one before, so it was really exciting for both of us. I have to say, it’s so much prettier than any fake tree I’ve owned. And the smell is so nice!
These are precious pics!! I want to do a real tree next year.
Awe I love this! Crazy weather but what fun memories you made and will always have! We live in Phoenix, AZ so I wish we went with a real tree but we have a fake and can you believe it’s 17 years old and still lights up and everything! Merry Christmas to you and your sweet fam.
xo, Nicole
I love all the pictures! How beautiful!
Those pictures are all so beautiful! What a wonderful keepsake for you all 🙂
Great pictures and glad you found the perfect tree! We just have a small fake one 🙂
Oh that looks like the perfect rainy day! You got GREAT photos too I never knew about this place.
We went to Red Truck Farms in South Surrey for a tree. Was fun to cut them down with the kidlets!