High Points: The scent of Christmas

There are a lot of great holiday traditions that people revel in this time of year. Some love and live to give and get presents while others take comfort in opening the stacks of greeting cards from friends in far-off places. And there is no one, at least whom I know, who doesn’t enjoy a plate of Christmas cookies.

But for me, the biggest spark for holiday satisfaction is airborne. There is just something about the smell of a Christmas tree that conjures all the joys of the holiday season in an instant. When I walk into someone’s house for a holiday gathering and get a whiff of pine, it immediately puts me in the spirit of the season.

Of all the holiday traditions, the trimming of the tree is by far my favorite. Starting with a bare tree, stringing our lights, and adorning the branches with ornaments that stir memories from the past is an act of personal expression. It is unlike any other activity we do during the year. And once the tree is fully trimmed, having it reside as a visitor in our homes for the next few weeks provides a special pleasure. And then there is that fresh, evergreen smell. It’s a bit like living in a forest. No wonder some people leave their trees up into mid–January.

Yes, I love a good Christmas tree.

Perhaps the best way to select the perfect tree is to cut one down yourself. Here in the Roaring Fork Valley, we are surrounded by forests and, yes, perfect Christmas trees. You can buy a White River National Forest Christmas Tree Permit to cut your tree at Recreation.gov for just ten bucks a tree. This permit allows you to cut a Holiday Tree within designated areas in the White River National Forest from now until Dec. 31. Best to get it done by Christmas, though. Just sayin’.

If the idea of heading out into the woods with a saw in hand to search for a tree seems a bit daunting, you can always head to your local markets, which are currently decked out for the season with a wide selection. They can be pricy in this valley, but they provide the one-stop shop convenience that many of us require this time of year.

In my house, I have a living Norfolk Pine Christmas tree that is mighty despite its relatively diminutive size. Sitting only about three feet tall, it does little more than gather sun on its flowing green branches for eleven months a year. But in December, it takes center stage, as my wife and I dress it with ornaments and lights that have been part of our personal collection for close to 50 years. It is, in fact, a part of the family.

Yes, Christmas trees come in all sizes and shapes. You likely have seen the behemoth that sits outside Rockefeller Center in Manhattan. This year’s tree was a 74-foot-tall Norway Spruce that was planted nearly 60 years ago in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

And this past weekend here in Aspen, we saw the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Sardy House. The spectacular sight of the tiny, sparkling lights illuminating the towering tree on the corner of Main and Aspen Streets brought a smile to the faces of all who attended. Santa showed up, too. The tree has to be at least 50 feet high, and this year marked 40 years since the lighting ceremony began, bringing joy and good tidings for the holiday season in our little town.

It’s still a couple of weeks until Christmas, and if you haven’t gotten a tree yet, there is still time. It will add a festive touch to your holiday season, and it will make your house smell nice.

Merry Merry!