Football and Christmas Trees

For the past five Christmas' we have had the joy of cutting down our own Christmas Tree. This was one of the biggest thrills for me when we moved to this part of the world as it was not an option in California, unless you wanted a Christmas Cactus. This year was especially joyful as my parents were able to join us on our hunt for the perfect tree.

I have come to place a great deal of significance on the quality of the tree we bring home as this tends to parallel what the following year will be like for our family. For example, our first tree four years ago was full and strong; signifying the hope and promise of our new start. The following two years were narrow with weak branches (and both of them fell over!); signifying how we were just getting by, trying to survive.

With the help of the master forest rangers from Canada (my Dad and Mum), this year's tree is absolutely brilliant! Very strong, straight trunk, full, lush branches - and it won't fall over (thanks to a clothes hanger and some string...). The promise of this next year - solid jobs, strength of family, and we won't fall over!

But the heading to this post also talked about football...how does football tie into the hunt for the perfect tree?! Please...this is SportsFamily...the boys brought a football with them into the bush and played catch while the adults did all the work!

The significance of the tree may have been lost on them - but the significance of playing a game of catch with your brothers wherever you happen to be will live with them forever...