As Thanksgiving week approaches, many families begin to shift their focus to Christmas traditions. For some, this means setting up the Christmas tree. In a heartfelt reflection, local resident Brad Dye shares his personal connection to a cedar tree that has grown alongside his family over the years, emphasizing the importance of family traditions and the beauty of nature.
Growing Memories and Traditions
Each year, the weekend following Thanksgiving marks the start of the Christmas season for Dye and his family. This year is particularly special as his son Tate is home from Japan, allowing the entire family to participate in the time-honored tradition of decorating the tree together. Dye recalls how this cedar has grown from a small plant to a towering tree, symbolizing the passage of time and the memories created within his family.
During a recent visit to Barbara’s Place, a local garden center, Dye and his partner G selected their Christmas tree, eager to continue their family traditions. “I can’t wait to watch the kids hang ornaments while Christmas Vacation plays in the background,” he says, highlighting the joy such traditions bring.
Reflection and Connection to Nature
While walking near his home, Dye noticed a cedar tree that reminded him of his childhood explorations with his father in search of the perfect Christmas tree. He reflects on how this tree has flourished since they moved to their renovated home in 2020, and its growth parallels his own family’s journey.
“Tradition holds that the wood of the cedar tree holds powerful protective spirits,” writes Jim Fox in “The Legend of the Cedar Tree Cherokee Native American Lore.
Dye appreciates the indigenous perspective on cedars, which are revered for their spiritual and practical significance. Fox explains that cedar is a vital ceremonial plant for many Native American tribes, symbolizing prayer, healing, and protection.
Although some contemporary articles may dismiss cedars as “weeds,” Dye argues that these trees offer substantial benefits to wildlife, providing food and shelter for various species, including deer, quail, and turkeys. The cedar’s role as a habitat and food source underscores its intrinsic value beyond aesthetic appeal.
On a recent Sunday evening, while picking up pizzas for a family gathering to enjoy Sunday Night Football, Dye and G discussed the possibility of cutting down their own Christmas tree. This conversation reignited Dye’s nostalgia for his childhood tree-hunting adventures and the joy of bringing nature into their home during the festive season.
In reflecting on the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered,” Dye poses a thought-provoking question about how society often undervalues certain plants, people, and experiences. He encourages readers to appreciate the unique virtues of all things, especially those that may initially seem ordinary.
As the holiday season approaches, Dye celebrates the beauty and significance of the cedar tree, the joy it brings to family gatherings, and the cherished memories created during this special time of year. With a sense of gratitude and reflection, he expresses hope for others to find joy in their own traditions and connections to nature.
In a world that often overlooks the simple wonders around us, Dye’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of family, nature, and the magic of the holiday season.
