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Choose and Cut a Christmas Tree Yourself at Local Farms
As the Christmas season quickly approaches, families and friends come together to celebrate and spread holiday cheer. Each year, some traditions continue and new ones begin. For some, the season starts by baking cookies, building a gingerbread house, or putting up the lights the day after Thanksgiving. Dutchess County tree farmers continue their tradition of providing families with plenty of Christmas trees from which to choose.
The Christmas tree has been the centerpiece of homes during the holiday season since the tradition was borrowed from the Germans in the 1800s. From what type of tree to select, what size and shape you prefer, to how to decorate it, the Christmas tree expresses your individual holiday atmosphere. What better way to make sure you have the perfect tree than to choose and cut it yourself?
The multitude of tree farms in Dutchess County enables you to do just that. Begin with a scenic drive through picturesque countryside, down a rural lane. Choose from a variety of species, including the popular Douglas Fir, which is dark or blue green, and retains its soft needles and strong fragrance for a long time. Balsam and Fraser Firs are dark green, with soft needles and good fragrance. Blue Spruce is another option, with blue foliage and a symmetrical form requiring little shearing. The Scotch Pine has large needles loosely packed together, and is known as a good tree to decorate. The White Spruce is unusual as compared to its better known cousin, the Norway Spruce. It has denser, lighter foliage and comes partially decorated with little cone clusters. Once you determine your favorite type, stroll through the fields and find that perfect tree. Saws are supplied, and farmers are happy to assist with cutting, loading and baling. Tree farms generally open the day after Thanksgiving.
Area tree farms keep their fields nicely groomed, but remember to head for the farm prepared for a day in the country. Dress warm, and wear comfortable shoes and old clothes. The "cutter downers" and the "loader uppers" should have gloves. Don't forget the camera.
The family fun is not over after the tree has been baled and secured safely onto your car. Use a tarp to protect your vehicle and to keep the road salt off your tree. When you get home, place it in the stand and make a fresh cut on the base so it can drink the water. You may want to leave the netting on to help it fit through the doorways into your home. Fill your trees stand with water daily, as it will absorb between two pints and a gallon of water daily. Remember, a moist tree is a safe tree! String the lights, add the garland, the homemade and sentimental ornaments and finally, place the star or angel on the top. Flip on the switch and there it is, a glowing Christmas tree to complete the holiday atmosphere in your home. Families can gather around the tree, read "The Night Before Christmas" out loud, open presents and savor memories for years to come.
Bring the family for a pleasant day in the country and share quality time together. Continue or start your family tradition this season. For information about Dutchess tree farms, visit www.dutchesstourism.com or call Dutchess County Tourism at 800-445-3131 toll-free or 845-463-4000. Ask for your free "Holiday and Winter Happenings" calendar, listing hundreds of fun things to do through February 29, 2008. You'll find tour schedules of the decorated great estates, holiday concerts, and community tree lighting ceremonies. The farm section of www.dutchesstourism.com has links to individual farms' web sites.
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