“Keeping It Real” Christmas

My mother could easily be described as the reigning queen of frugality. Raised by parents who weathered the Great Depression and blessed with seven children and a modest income, she knew how to stretch a dollar until it squeaked. Yet, every year, as Thanksgiving leftovers faded into memory, Mom would transform into the fearless leader of our annual live Christmas tree expedition—a tradition that was equal parts adventure and comedy.

Because money was tight, Mom insisted we find our Christmas tree “in the wild.” Translation: she’d charm a local landowner into letting our family tromp through their pasture near our tiny Nebraska town. Armed with ropes, twine, a saw, and gloves, we’d pile into the station wagon, ready to hunt for the perfect tree. Spoiler alert: “perfect” was a flexible concept in our household.

Here’s a tip for anyone tempted to follow in my mother’s footsteps: that majestic tree standing alone in a field may look stunning outdoors, but it’s probably not destined for glory in your standard-size living room. What it will provide, however, is a treasure trove of stories about trees with “character” and a lifetime of laughter.

Let me share a few favorites. One year, we brought home what we affectionately called the “Christmas Bush.” When we unfurled it in the living room, it stood a proud five feet tall—but sprawled a whopping eight feet wide! It dominated half the living room, leaving us to squeeze around it like elves in a crowded workshop.

One year, the family picked a tree so tall it nearly punched through the ceiling. Dad, perhaps inspired by a little too much eggnog, skipped trimming the trunk and just chopped off the top. Not many people can boast they had a Pentagon-shaped Christmas tree! I don’t think we were able to manage a star on top that year.

Then there was the infamous crooked trunk tree. Mom and Dad had to engineer a solution, stringing it into place with guide wires anchored to all four corners of the ceiling. It was less “Christmas tree” and more “holiday suspension bridge,” but it stood tall—well, sort of.

Over the years, we teased Mom about her menagerie of memorable trees. She’d just laugh and say, “Oh, they weren’t that bad!” And honestly, she was right. Each tree, with its quirks and challenges, became a cherished chapter in our family’s story.

Looking back, I’m not sure if Mom and Dad set out to teach us the art of making do, or if they simply wanted to indulge Mom’s dream of a “real” tree. Either way, those wild tree hunts gave us more than just holiday décor—they gave us memories that sparkle brighter than any ornament, and lessons in love, laughter, and resilience that live on in our hearts.

A Wonderful Holiday Season to you all. May you know the Lord’s presence and His peace!