Just the smell of a pine tree reminds me of Christmas's past

This time of year, the smell of pine conjures up some wonderful memories.

Our family insisted that our Christmas tree had to be real. A couple of weeks before Christmas, we set out to find the perfect tree excited and with great anticipation.

We crowded our oversized clothed bodies into dad's truck. Driving from small lot to lot with tree sales, removing ourselves from the confines of the cab was a struggle. Lots of giggling and laughter added to the adventure.

After several stops followed by careful viewing of many, many trees, our family finally settled on one. We drove home where dad would nail a couple boards to the trunk. Sometimes our tree was so large it had to be wired to the picture window.

Lopsided trees presented their own set of problems, but dad was always up to the challenge. Trees with a bare side ended up in the corner so visitors wouldn't see the imperfection. Then the perfect tree was decorated with cherished decorations, including the angel on top.

We continued this tradition with our son. Our favorite tree hunting place was Dessie Sander's on fifth street. Our family wandered the grounds for long periods of time, again searching for our perfect tree.

Once it was found, one of her family members would saw it down and carry it to our truck. Filled with satisfaction, off to home to put the tree up with decorating to follow. Oh, the smell of pine brings back those family times of togetherness.

Tawni is a retired Linton-Stockton Elementary School teacher. She can be reached by email at tprudhomme@gmail.com.