Thanksgiving marks the start of the festive season for many families, and for Brad Dye, this year is especially meaningful. With his son Tate returning home from Japan, the family is preparing to decorate their Christmas tree together. This cherished tradition will take place the weekend following Thanksgiving, a time when many families come together to embrace the holiday spirit.
Dye reflects on a cedar tree near his home, which has grown significantly since he moved to his farm in 2020. As he reminisces about his childhood experiences of choosing the perfect Christmas tree with his father, he feels a deep connection to the growth of the cedar. “I’ve loved watching it grow these last few years,” he notes, appreciating the memories tied to this type of tree.
Traditions and Memories Surrounding Christmas Trees
On Saturday, Dye and his family visited Barbara’s Place, their local garden center, to select their Christmas tree. This annual outing is a highlight for the family, and he eagerly anticipates watching his children hang ornaments while enjoying classic holiday movies like *Christmas Vacation*. The simple joy of gathering around the tree with loved ones is a tradition Dye holds dear.
During a walk, Dye was reminded of the significance of cedar trees within Cherokee culture. According to *Jim Fox* in “The Legend of the Cedar Tree Cherokee Native American Lore,” cedar wood is believed to hold protective spirits. The use of cedar in ceremonies for prayer and healing emphasizes its importance in Native American traditions. Dye appreciates this perspective, contrasting it with a more dismissive view he encountered online that labeled cedar trees as “weeds.”
He reflects on how perceptions of plants, much like people, can often overlook their inherent value. “How often do we deem many of the people, places, and things that we encounter in our lives as weeds?” he questions, suggesting a broader lesson about recognizing the virtues in all living things.
The Relationship Between Nature and Family Traditions
Cedar trees provide essential support for local wildlife, including deer, quail, and various bird species. This ecological significance enhances their value beyond aesthetics. Dye’s recent discovery of the cedar tree’s benefits for wildlife adds another layer of appreciation for these evergreens.
As Sunday Night Football approached, Dye shared a light-hearted moment with his family, reminiscing about the possibility of cutting down their own Christmas tree. This conversation sparked memories of his childhood adventures searching for the perfect tree. “I wish we could cut down our own Christmas tree,” his partner G remarked, prompting Dye to suggest using the cedar in their yard.
The holiday season is not merely about decorations and festivities; it is about family connections and the memories created together. Dye emphasizes that Christmas trees symbolize more than just a holiday tradition—they represent love, togetherness, and the beauty of nature.
As families around the world prepare to celebrate the holidays, Dye’s reflections serve as a reminder to cherish these moments and appreciate the traditions that connect us. “Here’s to the beauty (and virtues) of a cedar, the joy (and aroma) that comes with a Christmas tree, and the magic of being with family and friends for the holidays,” he concludes. This holiday season, many will join in the celebration, creating new memories while honoring the traditions that bind them together.
