Finding The Perfect Tree

Hi Puzzlers,

I just love the holiday season steeped in tradition. Finding the perfect tree has become a tradition for my family and I don't think it would feel like Christmas if we didn't do it.

Our tree search always begins at the Rocks Estate Tree Farm, on the coldest day of the year. Once at the farm we head to the furthest point, down by the wall, to find the Frazier Fir we love. We spread out looking for that perfect tree. Once we each find a tree, we all have to decide which is the best of the best. After several heated moments of debate and walk- a- rounds of each other’s tree, a decision is made.

With trusted saw in hand we begin the cutting down process. (Tip from prior years cutting: hold tree at the top and middle so it doesn’t land on your husband). After several passes of the saw the tree is down! Hurrah! Next we drag the tree to the waiting wagon a half a mile away. OMG’s can be heard as we can’t believe how big the tree is now that is down. “It didn’t look this big next to the other trees… I hope it fits through the door… What else can we do with the extra tree limbs? Sell wreaths? I think to myself.”

“WOW”! This tree weighs a ton shouts my husband, as my daughter is sitting on the back of the tree. Finally we reach the crest of the hill, sweat pouring off of us like a fountain, jackets opened flapping in the breeze, hair standing straight up from getting wet under our hats, something brown and squishy coming from under your boot, and meet the wagon. The attendant gives us a ticket and wraps one around the tip of our tree.

Exhausted we make our way back to the lodge for some homemade treats and local New Hampshire craft shopping while we wait for the tree attendant to wrap our tree for the ride home.

Now rested and refreshed we make our way to the wrapped trees. The attendant greets us and asks for our ticket. You have it. No, I gave it to you! Check your pockets!!! After five minutes of this we finally find the ticket and get our tree.

Back at the car with wrapped tree in hand we fold down the backseat so we can stuff the tree in through the trunk (Who needs a truck). Once the treetop reaches the front wind shield we know we are going to need the bright red flag you attach to things when they hang out of the trunk more than two feet.

Within a half hour we are ready to go and it only took twenty feet of rope! With our hands and boots covered in sap and squishy brown stuff, we head off on our one-hour trip home.

Ah! I just love a tradition.

Happy Puzzling!