Our Perfect Christmas Tree

Narrative Essay

“Our Perfect Christmas Tree”

   Christmas is such a special time of year for me. It’s a season filled with fun, joy, faith and lots

of delicious food. The Christmas tree has always been a very valued piece among all of my family’s Christmas traditions. I can not imagine my holidays without it. I love the process of picking the perfect tree and then decorating it. I love the fresh smell and the energy it brings to my house. It’s such a significant symbol of my Christmas that brings thousands memories from my childhood and instantly fills me up with nostalgia as well as happiness.

   Ever since I can remember, I have always loved winter and there was only one reason behind it Christmas time. The most exciting part was of course going on a haunt for the perfect tree. For me, as a little kid it was a very big deal and I was taking it very seriously. Back in Poland my family used to always go to the same, local farm to purchase our tree. I still recall it so vividly- the first time I went there as a five years old kid. It was a very cold day, in the middle of December. My feet and hands were freezing but the excitement of the whole experience kept me very determined. I literally felt like I was on some kind of mission. I remember looking around with curiosity and being surrounded by all these beautiful trees. Every each of them  looked different and unique. Some of them were tall and big and some of them were small. Despite the size and shape all of them had one thing in common- the all looked stunning and I couldn’t keep my eyes off them. The scent of freshly cut trees and wood filled my nostrils. The aroma was so intense, yet so satisfying. We were surrounded by so many christmas trees and we had to make an ultimate decision about which one of them is going home with us. That’s when my grandparents announced that I will be the one to make the final decision. Right away, I started to feel really proud and happy. I was responsible for choosing the Christmas tree. My christmas tree would be seen by all my family members so I knew I have to make a good decision. Carefully, I was moving between the long alleys of trees, analyzing every detail of every single one of them. “It has to be somewhere here and I just have to find it” I was thinking in my mind. Suddenly, I saw it, at the end of of of the alleys. It looked so glorious. The tree was tall and shiny and I knew it was the perfect one right away.

   That cold December day is one of the most precious childhood memories that I own. I recall that day every single year when my family and I go to find our perfect Christmas tree. Even though I’m not a little kid no more, in fact I’m a young woman, the excitement I experience during choosing the Christmas tree is as big as it was back when I was five years old.

    After we got our Christmas tree, now it’s time to move on to our second tradition which is decorating it. Decorating our tree each year is like opening an old box filled with stories and memories. With Christmas music playing my mom, my sister and I unpack our ornaments. They are our little treasures and memories collected over the years. Thomas Merton once said” “ Tradition, which is always old, is at the same time ever new because it is always revivin born again in each new generation, to be lived and applied in a new and particular way.” This quote perfectly describes my family’s Christmas tree decorations. We keep them safe during the whole year so then right before the holidays we can “find” their beauty all over again. Each piece has different meaning and a different background. We have collected them throughout our family trips, family gatherings and celebrations. Seeing all of these decoration put nicely on our beautiful Christmas tree brings joy to our hearts. Even though some of our family members are in Poland, we can see little reminders of them in my house. Our tree honors their memories.

...