I am originally from the Midwest where a lush spruce is considered the ideal Christmas tree. Except not to me…I’ve always favored a taller, sparser Charlie Brown tree.
When our family relocated to Colorado, I was ecstatic to discover entire mountains covered with that exact tree. And when I learned that you could buy a permit to cut down your own Christmas tree? Well, I was downright giddy.
I’m pretty sure my family was humoring me that first year, but the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree has quickly become a favorite family tradition. Every year on Christmas tree morning, we bundle up and load into the car. We’re certainly no pros but once we get into the designated cutting area, my husband goes into Clark Griswold mode. Suddenly serious with eagle eyes darting along the horizon looking for signs of THE tree. Our kids are really young so I hang back closer to the car with them and we explore nature together.
I always wonder how long I’ll have before they no longer need me to hold their hand in the deep snow. And each year those ponderings are interrupted by shouts from my husband that he found it — THE tree – and he needs my help getting it back to the car. But the kids and the hand holding in the deep snow!
Somehow we always figure it out and by the time we’re driving out of the forest, we are able to laugh about the struggle. We stop at the same little mountain restaurant–Zoka’s Restaurant and Bar–for lunch each year. The parking lot is lined with tree-topped SUVs and the tables are filled with families enjoying the exact same tradition we are. It’s cozy, jovial, and full of the Christmas spirit. The perfect stop-off before heading home to trim the tree.
My husband always cuts off a slice of the tree before taking it inside and the kids and I turn it into an ornament to commemorate the special day. We marvel at the size of this year’s slice versus years past. The trees have grown, and so have we.
Gina Schlosser is a stay-at-home mother of two girls, Mia & Millie. Originally from Ohio, she spends a lot of her time exploring the mountains and wondering how she ever lived without them. Follow her adventures at instagram.com/ginaschlosser.
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Christmas tree cutting permits are generally available from most US Forest Service offices throughout the Rocky Mountain Region. Go here for more information.
Author: Mile High Mamas
Amber Johnson
I’m so jealous! I’ve been wanting to do this for ages but can’t quite get my family on-board. I need them to read this post.
Caroline
So fun. We’ve done this every year. our trees may not look as nice as fake trees or store bought but our memories are awesome.
Mandy
Where’s the best place to go? Where do you get permits?