We save the tree cut from our Christmas tree every year. In fact, and I’m editing this in….this is the one tradition that I’ve kept even after my divorce. For some reason those little pieces of wood represent strength and bravery and courage. And this is the third Christmas we’ve had in Nashville now, so even those “new” tree cuts mean a great deal to the kids.
It’s a simple, inexpensive, and very easy tradition to start.
Unless, of course you don’t get a real tree.
The kids, especially the little boys, love to play with those pieces of memory wood.
Someday, Lord willing, my grandchildren will look through that pile of tree trunk cuts and then I can tell them about this year and the years to come. Years of good times and bad times and normal times and joy times all wrapped into a package called one’s life.
Save your tree cuts. Write the date. Life will never be perfect, but it can be good.
It’s a simple way to remember.
~Rachel
edited to add: since I first published this in 2013 my family has gone through a divorce and moved cross country. But we’ve also had amazing things happen – several of my children have graduated, we’ve traveled the country and we are stronger than ever. Memories matter, no matter what.
18 comments
This is a fabulous idea that I have never heard of. We’ve had a fake tree the past few years but when we decided to switch to real I will definitely be doing this.
That is beautiful! I’m into specifics, so can I ask how you save them? Do you display them? Keep them in a bag? Do they only come out at Christmas time?
~Melissa
What a sweet way to keep a memory. Lovely idea.
What a GREAT idea! When we go back to a real tree, we’ll have to do that!!
this is absolutely wonderful. makes me want to chuck our cheap fakie so we can get on board. : )
That, my friend, is a beautiful tradition.
okay. WEIRD!!!! i wrote the above comment on my computer and was signed it as that strange name. this is creepy!!!! this is Carissa. i have no clue who that person is. anyways. i do love the tree cuts.
I love this idea! I may have to start doing that. Our family is recovering from a Griswold type road trip still. If you have time, come and read. It’s sure to make you laugh. Take care! I’ll be returning to your blog for homeschool stuff. We also homeschool.
What a simple way to build memories. The artist in me is already thinking of ways to use them, display them, finish them. You family will have many memories to share.
What a great tradition. I’ve never heard of that before.
I LOVE this! I may start getting a real tree just to do this!!! (I’m a fan of the fake, I admit it!)
We do this too! I love it! mY DAUGHTER ACTUALLY DECORATED ONE, OTHERWISE THEY MOSTLY HAVE THE DATE OR NOTHING (i FORGOT TO WRITE THEM !)
I love this idea. After reading this, I went out to our deck and grabbed the cutting that was still left there and wrote the date on it. Thanks for sharing this sweet tradition.
this is gorgeous. i think i’m going to write a proposal to my parents on why we should have a real Christmas tree. seriously. :))
-jocee <3
Great idea! It’s that kind of idea which is really great for children. You can go cutting a christmas tree, then decorate it and after a few weeks one of the kind can cut a slice of it. This schould be a special moment for the kid with a little christmas tree cutting party afterwards. And after 30 years, when we are old and grey, they will remember the great moment of cuting the tree fpr the first time. And of course, they can see the time goes by.
May be every one of the family should write a whish for the next year on the tree cut or what they are thankful for.
I love this! So beautiful!
I was going to do that but then didn’t…for one thing, my son buys the tree every year now so the cut is made where he gets it.
Whatever lies ahead, the Lord is with you! Praying!
Psalms 32:8, 10-11 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. (10-11) Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
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Love that idea. So simple but special!