As families across the globe prepare for the holiday season, many are turning their attention to cherished traditions such as selecting the perfect Christmas tree. In a personal reflection, writer Brad Dye shares his family’s annual ritual of choosing a cedar tree, a custom that brings together generations.
Thanksgiving week often serves as the unofficial kickoff to the Christmas festivities. For Dye’s family, the weekend following Thanksgiving is dedicated to setting up their tree, a practice he eagerly anticipates. This year, the occasion is especially meaningful as Tate, a family member who has been away in Japan, returns home to help decorate. The family’s cedar tree, planted years ago, has grown significantly, symbolizing the passage of time and the memories created alongside it.
The process of picking out the tree takes place at Barbara’s Place, a local garden center. Dye reflects on the joy of watching his children hang ornaments while enjoying the holiday classic, *Christmas Vacation*. This year, memories of past Christmases intertwine with the present, as Dye recalls his own childhood experiences searching for the ideal tree with his father.
On a recent walk, Dye encountered a cedar tree near his home, prompting nostalgia for the trees of his youth. He reminisces about moving into his renovated home in 2020 and observing how the tree has flourished. The significance of the cedar extends beyond personal memories; it holds cultural importance among the Cherokee Native American community.
According to Jim Fox, in his work “The Legend of the Cedar Tree Cherokee Native American Lore,” the cedar tree is revered for its protective qualities and spiritual significance. Fox emphasizes that the fragrance of cedar and its presence in nature connect individuals to their ancestors, highlighting its role in ceremonial practices and healing traditions.
Despite some negative perceptions of cedar, often dismissed as weeds, Dye champions the virtues of these trees. An article he encountered while researching suggested that cedar trees do not contribute positively to the ecosystem. Yet, he points out that many species, including deer and birds, rely on cedar trees for food and shelter, affirming their ecological value.
On a recent evening, Dye and his partner G enjoyed a family pizza night while watching Sunday Night Football. Their conversation naturally shifted to the idea of cutting down their own Christmas tree, a thought that resonated with both of them. Dye shared his vision of decorating the cedar in their yard with lights, further deepening the connection to their family traditions and memories.
Reflecting on the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered,” Dye contemplates how easily society overlooks the inherent value in things deemed unimportant. He encourages readers to recognize the unique qualities of the various trees and plants around them, understanding that each has a purpose and a story to tell.
As the holiday season approaches, Dye celebrates the beauty of cedar trees and the joy of family gatherings. He invites readers to appreciate the simple yet profound moments that come with decorating for Christmas and the lasting memories created during this special time of year. In closing, he expresses hope for everyone to enjoy the splendor of nature and the warmth of family during the holidays.
