O Tannenbaum

O Tannenbaum

By my reckoning I have lived long enough to see seventy-three Christmas trees all decked out with lights, ornaments and lots of presents under their boughs. That’s a lot of Christmas trees, so many that all but the most recent are but a blur of colors, smells and memories. Is there anything more magical than a Christmas tree?

This past week the grandkids came over to help decorate our tree. Judy and I watched their excitement as box after box of lights and ornaments were opened. Many of the ornaments were the same ones that their dad, aunt and uncle hung on past Christmas trees. Hopefully, long after we are gone, they will share some of these same memories with their children.

Another family tradition is cutting down our own tree. Purchasing a permit from the forest service allows us to bring home the perfect Charlie Brown tree. In the past, we have bought precut trees from a lot and even invested in a plastic tree but the best is one right out of the mountain forest. The pine smell and pitch sticking to our hands makes for a real Christmas tree.

I would be remiss without making reference to the German folk song that heralds the beauty of the Christmas tree. As a child, I heard my father sing in German:

“O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum…. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree how lovely are your branches not only green when summer’s here but in the coldest time of year. How sturdy God has made thee! You biddest us all place faithfully our trust in God, unchangingly O Christmas Tree.”

May your Christmas tree bring you happiness this Holiday Season and many memories for the future!