It’s Christmas Tree Decorating season.  For many families this is a much anticipated tradition.  Whether you use an artificial tree or a real one doesn’t really matter.  What matters is that the decorating tradition is unique to your family.  At JM Cremps, we are all about family traditions.  One of our favorite traditions is to set up the Christmas tree, gather the kids, and read Jan Brett’s Home for Christmas.

If your family doesn’t have an established tradition, make this your year to start one.  Finding a live Christmas tree can be a wonderful way to establish your own family tradition.   Nick Myatt, author of the Growing Hunters blog, gives some helpful tips to make sure your hunt for the perfect tree turns into a memorable and enjoyable family experience.

Christmas Carols Required

Make the drive half the fun of your trip.  Christmas is the one time of the year where it is socially acceptable to sing as a family in the car.  Think National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.  Play Christmas carols obnoxiously loud and sign along.  Be corny; have fun.

Take Your Time

Don’t rush things.  Make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy yourselves and spend time as a family.  Allow time for distractions and side adventures – going to the woods for a tree doesn’t have to be all about finding a tree.

Road Hunting Encouraged

Save your little guy’s legs and slowly drive along forest roads looking for good trees or spots to get out and explore.  Stop often and take mini tree-finding expeditions.  Speaking from experience; don’t wonder very far from the truck – otherwise Dad will have to carry that perfect tree that Mom found a long way! You don’t want Dad to turn into the Grinch.

Make A Day or Weekend Out of It

Make this tradition more than just a trip into the woods to cut a tree.  Getting the tree should be the focal point of the day, but after you find a tree, spend time sledding, build a bonfire and roast marshmallows, or have a snowball fight.  Better yet – make it a full weekend and rent a cozy cabin in the woods.

Get The Kids Involved

Make sure your kids are part of the process, not just along for the ride.  Let them help hunt for the tree, choose where to stop, and which tree to bring home.  Letting them help select the tree can take some creative parenting at times – especially when they get their hearts set on the scraggliest, most Charlie Brown of all trees in the forest.

This article was reposted from the Growing Hunters Blog. Read more tips and the complete article, Hunting Christmas Trees with Kids, by clicking here.