Christmas Tree Traditions by The Smitten Cottage

Deanna is the beauty and brains behind the cutest little lakeside cottage in Michigan; also known as The Smitten Cottage. I fell in love with her style as she transformed her new home into a modern masterpiece. Not only is she a great interior stylist, she’s a pretty cool wife and mom too! Keep reading for some of her favorite Christmas tree traditions she’s sharing with us!

Did you know the state of Michigan is one of the top six  Christmas tree producing states? My family and I have carried the tradition of searching for the most perfect pine to kick off the holiday season. It is a tradition that began when our son Baylor was just six months old. Now before I go into our typical day at a tree farm, I would like to add, there are several pros and cons to a real Christmas tree and a fake Christmas tree. Here are just a few.

I enjoy faux because of the pure convenience that you can put the tree up whenever you are ready. No waiting in the cold, shuffling through crowds, or spending $40 + on a tree that will most likely die in a month or so; But the adventure of setting aside time as a family to search for that perfect pine, wrapped up in layers as the weather begins to get cold and crisp, while shuffling through people filled with Christmas spirit, all while supporting a local tree farm, that is something I can enjoy once a year.

When I was younger my grandmother would go back and forth when it came to what we would display in our living room. Some years we had a real tree that we cut from her yard, or sometimes she would bring out the faux tree and my aunt would come over just to bedazzle it up all color coordinated and fancy-like!

When it was time for me to carry on a tree tradition into our home, Reid and I decided to incorporate the classic tree hunt into our family! Every year after Thanksgiving has passed we bundle up in our cutest, close to matching, buffalo plaid printed outfits, and drive to our local tree farm that is located just a few miles away from our home. I have the boys dress up with me because, well! “When in Rome”, right?! It is a perfect opportunity to grab potential Christmas card pictures! Just bring an actual camera, leave the phone behind! This year we brought our dog Minnie and she was so well behaved the entire time. If you plan to bring your furry family member, be sure to call to see if the farm allows pets. Most of them do if you keep them on a leash.

We hopped onto the wagon that was filled with a couple of other families that were just as anxious as we were to begin our hunt. As we rode through the woods the path opened to a gorgeous section of pine trees. Our go to is the Canaan Fur because it is inexpensive, and the actual pine is softer to touch, which makes hanging light A LOT less painful. It usually does not take us too long to find our tree, as we are not picky hunters. My husband always takes the honor of cutting it down and loading it back onto the wagon. Once we arrive back to the barn located just at the entrance, the farmers shake the tree out and wrap it up (don’t forget the straps for the car).

Check out the shop for handmade wreaths and garlands! Not only does it add cheer to your home, but the smell of fresh pine is hard to beat.

By this time our cheeks and hand are cold and could use some warming up! This is when the hot cocoa comes in handy! Most farms have this yummy stuff on hand, but I like to bring my own thermos of extra chocolatey goodness!

I like to remember that it isn’t just about finding a Christmas tree, It is about spending time with the ones you care about, taking a moment to be thankful, and enjoying the outdoors. That is an experience you can’t put a price on.

HOT COCOA RECIPES

Adult & Kid Friendly Options

Kid Friendly By https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-hot-cocoa/

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup baking cocoa
• Dash salt
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 4 cups milk
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Miniature marshmallows, sweetened whipped cream or cinnamon sticks, optional

Directions

In a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa, and salt. Add water; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in milk; heat to serving temperature (do not boil). Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Whisk until frothy. If desired, garnish with marshmallows, cream or cinnamon sticks.

For Swiss Mocha Cocoa: Add 2 to 2-1/2 teaspoons instant coffee with vanilla. For Canadian Cocoa: Add 1/2 teaspoon imitation maple flavoring with vanilla. For Slim-Trim Cocoa: Omit sugar. Combine cocoa, salt, and water. Substitute fat-free milk. Proceed as above. Stir in the vanilla with artificial sweetener equivalent to 1/2 cup sugar.

Red Wine Hot Cocoa By https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a57280/crock-pot-red-wine-hot-cocoa-recipe/

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 c. cocoa powder

1/2 c. sugar

Pinch kosher salt

6 c. whole milk

1 bottle red wine

Toasted marshmallows, for serving

Chocolate shavings, for serving

DIRECTIONS

Combine chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, milk, and wine in slow cooker. Cook on high for one hour, stirring every 20 minutes.

Ladle cocoa into mugs and top with toasted marshmallows and chocolate shavings.

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