Step #1 – Select a young sapling which the deer have broken the leader-branch out of. (from here on out it is destined to be a “bush” … so why not let it have the biggest thrill of its life and enjoy the glamor & lights of being a “Christmas tree”!)
Step #2 – Dig the tree up! This will turn out to be much more challenging than first anticipated. The tree will have developed a wonderful set of strong, deep anchor roots. Sadly, these will need to be cut with your hand pruners.
Step #3 – Select a pot. This will also turn out to be much more challenging than first anticipated. Selecting a pot which is too big will, in the end, result in you not being able to carry your tree inside due to the immense weight! Hence, careful consideration must be made concerning just-the-right-size pot.
Step #4 – Place tree (with now-pitiful root ball) in pot … and cover with dirt. Important: Do not use dirt from the forest – or you will risk the high likelihood of bringing a forest’s worth of bugs inside with your tree! Recommendations for “sans-bugs” dirt include bagged potting soil. However, if bagged potting soil is in short supply, bagged cactus dirt may be substituted.
Step #5 – Use a zip-tie and duct-tape to “mend” the broken leader-branch.
Step #6 – Give your freshly potted tree a small drink of water, then allow it to acclimatize overnight in a shed of some sort.
Step #7 – Stop eating all the popcorn you are supposed to be stringing for the tree!
(As an aside – each of my kids made a specific point in asking me what kind of popcorn I got: “Mom, you didn’t get Butter did you?”
When I replied an affirmative, they both admonished me firmly: “Mom, you can’t put butter on the tree!” To which I replied: “But I wanted to eat it as I strung it.” Haha! The thing is, I’m dancing vigorously on the line of having a problem with pests & bugs. So it’s a good thing the tree will only be up a couple of days!)
On the second attempt, the popcorn actually made it onto the string! Ha!
Step #8 – Bring your tree indoors! Place it in its spot of honor! And decorate!
Step #9 – Sit back and admire your creative masterpiece!
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This brings me so much joy!
Whatever that thing is which lights you up and brings you joy, I pray that you will experience lots of Christmas joy this Holiday Season too!
Thank you God for Christmas joys!
Thank you God for Christmas blessings!
