I am in heaven. Thanksgiving came and went, and that in itself was an awesome time for our little family unit. But what I love the most right after Thanksgiving is going to a Christmas tree farm, searching for that one special tree, cutting it down, and bringing it home.
Last year we drove out to Long Island to Carter Christmas Tree Farm. And it was an “alright” experience, but this year we wanted to try something new.
There were are a few farms that offer up a Santa or two, and all the bells and whistles, but then they also charge so much, in some cases up to $90 for a tree or more! Quite honestly, for that much money, I can walk down the block and just pick one up myself, fresh from Canada.
We decided on traveling to Hahn Farm not really knowing what to expect as their website leaves a lot to be desired, but to us that was also part of the fun…and they weren’t charge $90 for their trees!
So we started out with an awesome brunch for the birthday boy (did I mention my youngest turned 3 today?) and set on the road to Dutchess County, an hour and a half drive in search of the perfect tree we would bring home with us.
The drive upstate has always been one of my favorite things to do. It’s so beautiful out there. And no matter how much I love the city, even I know that getting out of it every once in awhile is necessary to recharge and refresh from the hectic life the city offers. Unlike last year, the boys didn’t need tons of DVDs to keep them calm the whole way. Which was a nice change. The day was also sunny, and though cool, definitely not as cool as last year.
We drove past cows and even some alpaca before we arrived to Hahn Farm. Small and simple, I wondered as I looked into the distance at their trees if we would find one big enough for my liking. We were quickly greeted and asked what trees we liked. We didn’t really know, but after a description of my preference we were instructed to load on to a hay wagon for a ride up hill to the selection of trees.
The kids were thrilled. The birthday boy was especially giddy, and ready for the ride. As we got further up the hill, I could see a wonderful selection of proud trees growing there.
We wondered into the field. “This one.” “But look at this one!” “Mama, how about a baby one?” “This one!”
So many choices. Luckily there weren’t many people there at all. We took our time and looked around when there it was. The One.
The 12 year old immediately requested for the opportunity to cut it down. “I’m old enough,” he told his Dad, “I am ready to cut down my first tree.”
“Ok, remember to cut straight across.”
The boy bent down to cut and not even 10 seconds later gave up. “It’s hard!” Ah, yes, he would die out here.
His dad took over and had the tree down in minutes. At which point the younger ones chimed in wanting a turn at the saw. We let them saw down a bit more before we made our way to the flag pole, to raise the flag letting them know, at the bottom of the hill, that we were ready. In minutes there was another wagon, full of newcomers, and ready to take us down.
Once down the hill, we were immediately offered to have our tree netted, carried, and placed on our hood. Total cost $46.00 (an extra $1 for the netting). We then got our hands stamped and walked across the road to the gift shop, which didn’t have much in they way of gifts and trinkets, but had plenty of fresh wreaths, and fresh angus beef, chicken, and pork.
No Christmas music, Santa, or ornaments, some lights, but plenty of free hot chocolate (thus the stamping on the hand).
Nonetheless, the service we received here was so much better than last year, and people were really, really friendly too. The hay ride, the adventuring through trees in search of the perfect one, the raising of flags and rolling down hills on the wagon, and the free hot chocolates, and many smiles received made my kids really happy, and us as well.
We had a great time in search of our tree this year. The trip back home was gorgeous as well.
Once home, my sister and her boyfriend came over. We sang Happy Birthday after dinner and decorated our tree while listening to a Christmas CD and watching our HD fireplace video on t.v. (cause you know, it’s NYC after all!).
It was the perfect end to the perfect day. And here is our very, very perfect tree.
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Susie
Looks like you had the perfect day. Those are so few and far between. Enjoy!