Christmas Tree
Sunday morning, when Harland was done with chores, we drove out into the pasture to find a Christmas tree. The only native evergreen tree here is the cedar tree, and there are plenty of those around. Cedar trees prior to European settlement were kept in check by prairie fires, but since much of the prairie is not burned any longer, the cedar tree has spread unchecked. If not controlled, it can take over a pasture in just a few years. So when we found a group of cedars along the edge of the pasture, Harland brought out his chainsaw and started cutting all of them down.
One of those we decided to bring home for our Christmas tree.
It looked a little scraggly, but when we got it home and decorated it, it turned out to be a nice little tree. We were a little concerned that Kitty may pull the tree over or try to climb it but she seemed to take little notice of it.
Until the second day.
I was in the kitchen cooking when I heard a crash, like someone was doing some logging in our living room. I looked up and saw Kitty running away from the tree. It could be just a coincidence…. but experience tells me otherwise. Harland and I put the tree back up while Kitty watched from the safety of the next room. And, knock on wood, she’s left it alone since then.
On Christmas Eve, we attended Mass, and then on Christmas day, Harland and I spent the day at home. I was up early to get the turkey stuffed and into the oven while Harland fed the cattle.
Then I made some homemade cranberry sauce. Finally, shortly before the turkey was done, we made a pumpkin pie and a mincemeat pie.
I made the crusts while Harland made the pumpkin pie filling. The mincemeat came from a jar. Someday I’d like to make homemade mincemeat. When the turkey came out of the oven, the pies went in and baked while we ate our lunch. By the afternoon, the pies had cooled and we each had a slice while we watched It’s a Wonderful Life.
We had a nice relaxing day and hope you had the same. How did you spend your day?
Suzanne–my grandmother always made her own mincemeat–with real meat–and I have to say, it was horrible. She was a fantastic cook and that is the only thing I can remember that I didn’t like. Just stick to the store bought!
Your tree looks very beautiful. Our cats seemed to be content with sleeping underneath the tree this year rather than climbing up it. They must have decided they liked the warm felt tree skirt better than the prickly tree.
We used to make mincemeat tarts every year at Christmas when I was a kid. Loved those! You are the first person I have heard talk about it since I moved to this part of the country.
You have a lovely tree, Suzanne. We had a nice day, prime rib with mashed potatoes and gravy, creamed onions, salad with chopped apples and walnuts, pumpkin and pecan pie. My daughter and son were with us and we opened gifts, enjoyed egg nog and watched a Christmas movie. Today we are having a snow storm, glad to be home, safe and warm. Thanks for the post Suzanne, love hearing how you celebrate holidays. Is Kitty feeling better?
Sounds like you had a wonderful day.
Kitty is about the same. We are probably going to have to take her back to the vet. She’s no better, but at least she’s no worse.
I thought that making mincemeat was a lost art. My grandmother and one of my aunts made mincemeat every year at Christmas. I remember that I did not care for it as a child, but it ultimately became one of my favorite memories of Christmas. Additionally, an aunt who was of German descent made homemade liverwurst at Christmas.
Your tree looks like an old-fashioned Christmas! Very nice.
I had a nice Christmas at home like you two. My son from Chicago and his girlfriend spent the day with me, and we opened a few gifts, enjoyed a turkey meal at noon, had a lot of laughs, chatted on the phone with my two faraway kids, watched Home Alone 2, ate cheesecake (gift from neighbors), and then they left at 4 for dinner at her parents. I got into my p.j.’s and had a relaxing evening reading and watching some t.v.
Glad Kitty decided to just enjoy the tree instead of trying to climb out….assuming that’s what happened, of course.
I love that photo of the bird ornament – it’s magical!
Our Christmas day was busy – running to see one relative, then another!
Happy New Year, Suzanne!
My son and his wife made mincemeat about 5 years ago. The real thing with real beef. It was so so good but, really filling. we were all hoping he’d make it the next yr. also but, no. Expensive and time consuming. My Mom made it with all fruit one yr. also and the was yummy too.
We had a family dinner the day before so I gave myself a P.J. day. And ate the left overs. Movies all day. Was great.