Christmas Tradition Revamped

Dan and I have a somewhat different Christmas tradition. It is something we have done for three years now and plan to do it for years to come. We go to the local grocery store (this year it was Pricesmart) and pick up a local tree. We would love to go into the forest and get a tree, but that doesn't seem legal. Nor is there a U-cut place within walking distance. So, the grocery store will have to do. But instead of tying down our Christmas tree to our non-existent car (or one that we borrow), we decided to carry it home on our shoulders.
I must point out that we had my mom's car this evening. It was parked at home. We chose to walk to the store and continue our tradition. It started three years ago, when my roommate Jenny wanted a Christmas tree. While we were shopping for groceries, we picked up a tree and she decided that we had to carry it home. Thus, the tradition began. Usually we try to wait for the first snow, but that sometimes takes too long and I get impatient. Plus, lets face it, walking in the snow isn't as pleasurable as walking on pavement.

This year, we took our tree tradition to a whole new level. We stopped at the Starbucks. Dan wanted to take the tree inside, but I somehow convinced him that would be inappropriate. I think I mentioned something about it being busy and there not being enough room. We redeemed a coupon for a free tall beverage and said hi to the Friday night girls. (We usually have a date night on Friday nights at Starbucks, redeeming our Visa points for Starbucks cards, and thus we've gotten to know these three fairly well). We enjoyed our coffee and asked one of the girls, Amanda, to join us for a photo opt. She agreed and we had a few laughs.

Then we walked the rest of the way home. We got a thumbs up from some kids in A&W and some stares from some drivers. But mostly people just laugh at us. When we got to our apartment, we invited Erin from upstairs to take some pictures with us. All in all, it was one of the most memorable trips to get our Christmas tree that we've ever had. Some people think we are crazy, but wait until there's a baby and we continue the tradition. I can picture a baby in a backpack crying because there are some tree branches poking its head. Yep....don't doubt us. It just might happen (especially if Dan has his way)!