For over 20 years, The Michel family has been doing their best impression of The Griswold's from Christmas Vacation. For the non-CV fans this includes driving an hour, dragging our kids through all kinds of weather, finding the "perfect" tree, taking turns cutting it down [yes we had a saw ;-) ], comically tying it to the top of the car, and then praying the windows don't break when we take the wrap off inside the house.
For the majority of those years, we went to the same tree farm. We didn't start out with the intention to cut down a tree every year, go to the same place, and build memories, but it sure did turn out that way. In fact, the year after we cut down a tree for the first time, I recall my oldest daughter (at the time she was 6) asking if we were going to go back to the place with the horses and hot chocolate. At that moment, my wife and I realized it had made an impression on her and her sister. It was a memory that bonded us, brought back good feelings, and we wanted more.
So, the tradition started and it has been super special. No matter the kids' age and no matter where they have been in life, they have come to expect, and more importantly cherish, the experience we have together. We cram into a car, blast Christmas music, laugh, and even bicker (car has become very cramped over the years). Once we arrive, we relive and repeat micro-traditions...where do you take the family picture, walk the entire property before we make a final decision, sing songs, hide from each other, and more.
Here we are in 2024, over twenty years since we made the decision to give a live tree a chance. Turns out it wasn't about the tree. This small decision turned out to be a game changer for our family. So, even though our family looks different now -- our oldest is married, our youngest is a Senior in High School, we are back to having just two children in the house, we moved twice (once to Texas), and everyone has new perspectives, hobbies and lives -- what hasn't changed is the bond we have as a family. These traditions have created ways for us to come back together no matter where life has taken us.
As I sat by our tree this past week, I took time to reflect on the impact this and other traditions have had on my family, and here are some of the key take-a-ways:
For families, traditions become touchstones. They are the cozy comfort of baking grandma’s secret cookie recipe, the laughter of an annual game night, or the quiet stillness of lighting candles together. These moments, big and small, imprint themselves on our hearts, becoming memories we carry with us forever.
For children, traditions provide a sense of security and identity. They help kids understand who they are and where they come from, fostering confidence and connection. Whether it’s a simple bedtime story or a holiday ritual passed down through generations, these experiences teach values, build resilience, and create a legacy of love.
As adults, traditions keep us grounded. They remind us to pause and prioritize what truly matters: the people we share our lives with. In a world that often pulls us in a thousand directions, these rituals call us back to what’s important, giving us moments to celebrate, reflect, and give thanks.
And for those starting new traditions, there’s a special kind of magic in creating something uniquely your own. It’s a way to infuse the season with meaning and set the stage for future generations. Traditions don’t have to be elaborate to be impactful; they just need to come from the heart.
Whether it’s decorating the tree, volunteering as a family, or simply enjoying a quiet evening together, traditions remind us of the power of presence. They connect us to each other, to our past, and to the values we hold dear.
This holiday season, take time to embrace or create traditions that reflect your family’s unique spirit. Cherish the laughter, the stories, and even the chaos that comes with these moments. In doing so, you’re not just celebrating a season—you’re weaving a tapestry of love and connection that will carry on for years to come.
Here’s to family traditions—the threads that weave our lives together and remind us of what matters most.
PS Enjoy a few more Michel Tree Cutting Tradition photos!
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