This very bright and colorful vintage Christmas postcard reminds me of my youth. The happy, cheerful children carrying the Christmas tree back to their home, after having cut it down in the forest, brings up one of my favorite memories about Christmas time.
My grandfather owned a small farm in Pennsylvania on which he had a forest of pine trees as well as chickens running around. It was an annual tradition to drive out to Papa’s farm to select and cut our Christmas tree. This was a very serious tradition as the tree had to be “just right” and “better than last year.” It always took some time to decide and then once the the tree was pronounced “the perfect tree,” we left my father to do the hard work of felling it.
We children did all help carry the tree back to be strapped to the top of our 1960’s station wagon (remember those?) and make the trip home across the bridge over the Ohio River.
We always got a cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows before leaving Papa’s farm. And of course a chance to play with Buddy, his collie dog.
By the time the tree was dragged into our home and set up in its proper place, we kids were ready for a nap or bed. But it was always a good day and a good feeling to have been out in the snow and cold air and picking that perfect Christmas tree. ~ M. Parsons