We did dig up our Christmas tree. It reminds me of this Twisted Pine by Tom Thompson, one of the artists of the Canadian Group of Seven. For our Christmas tree discovery expedition we donned our gum boots and pulled out the shovels, root cutters and even the axe and a hatchet and headed off in two full cars. Our first stop was the place that we went many years ago when the kids were young. Our Lizzie had won the Christmas light counting contest there two years in a row. It was at the end of a long dreary country road, but this year there were no bright lights and hot chocolate and only the occasional random tree poking up from the field. Certainly no activity there. The cell phones were buzzing from car to car as we had to decide what next. I headed one way and then turned around. Second car was frustrated, not liking to be a follower at the best of times. The signs for Christmas trees once plentiful seemed sparse this year. Finally we saw a sign and went to see. A warm crackling fire and a friendly man welcomed us. It was their first year selling trees. A full acre of tree of all shapes and sizes. We unpacked the car and went looking. There were douglas firs, standing straight and strong, trimmed and ready for their place in Christmas. Hidden at the back through some muddy puddles and off the beaten track were the noble firs. Most were small and perhaps not in line to be dug up this year. Nevertheless, they were the trees that captured the hearts of my crew. There was a mounting enthusiasm among everyone to go for one of the misshapen and small but character full trees. A couple of the younger girls ran back to the owner man to ask if it would be possible to take one of those trees planned for years to come. "Any tree!" were his words. It did not take long for our two men to dig up the tree. Unlike any other tree we have had in the past, it came up easily. My heart leapt. I was delighted that perhaps the tree might be able to be nicely potted. This year I might not have a huge wheelbarrow in my living room throughout Christmas!
Twisted fir is our first surprise for this Christmas. The reaction of all our guests is a gulp and a smile. "Is this tree big enough for your big family?" "Hmm. A different tree for this year." "What about all your ornaments? They won't fit!"
Surprise tree is our noble tree. The ornaments that are important will fit. It is more than enough. Christmas does not have to be excessive. There is beauty in the simple and small and misshapen. It is reflects our gentle and quiet hearts and is full of unique wonder and joy. This year we embrace the tree found and brought home on the road less travelled.
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