Traditions

I can’t remember exactly when my family began buying Christmas trees from local Boy Scouts, but it became a tradition in our house many years ago after we stumbled upon the lot set up adjacent to Chico Nut Co., the primary location for the annual sale over the past couple of decades.

We’d head to that quiet spot and have hundreds of evergreens from which to choose. Then one of the scouts would help us lug the chosen conifer out to our car. My former Boy Scout husband enjoyed supporting the kids and I liked that the trees were a bargain: typically 40 bucks for a silvertip (aka red fir). My son was born after the yearly outing started. He’s too young to appreciate the custom—he just loves having a tree in the house, a sure sign new toys are en route.

Over the years, we’ve watched opening day grow into an event, a tradition for hundreds of other Chico families. Indeed, a tree from Troop 31 is sought after. That was clear last Sunday (Dec. 1), the first day of sales. Despite inclement weather, folks lined up outside to have their pick and lined right back up inside to pay once they’d chosen just the right evergreen.

Though the lot was crowded with bundled-up people sizing up the offerings, excited to get home to decorate and maybe sip on some eggnog, the organized chaos wasn’t unbearable. I had to turn around only a couple of times to smile and let the oblivious gentleman behind me know he was pushing some boundaries. He’d step forward with his tree and I’d subsequently get the soft end of a branch poked into my backside.

Another change: The price is up a whopping 20 bucks since the last year we bought from the youth organization, likely because of a nationwide shortage largely blamed on reduced planting during the Great Recession. That’s still relatively inexpensive for a silvertip, especially considering the price tag covers all trees irrespective of height. For comparison, the estimated average price for 2019 is $81, according to the National Christmas Tree Association, a trade group. I’d say supporting a good cause is worth the splurge.

Speaking of tradition Each year, in this space, I make a pitch to readers to help brighten the holidays for kids at the Esplanade House, a nonprofit transitional housing program. To participate in the organization’s annual gift-giving program, visit our office at Second and Flume streets to sign up.

You’ll choose from several tags bearing the age, gender and clothing size of a child. Each gives suggestions on what to purchase, from practical gifts, such as shoes, to toys big and small. It’s been a difficult year post-Camp Fire, so you can bet that unwrapping something special means a whole heck of a lot to local kids, especially those who may have been displaced by the disaster.

Every year, I’m blown away by the generosity. The CN&R’s readers have never let the kids down. But this year, the turnaround is particularly tight, so please hurry in. The presents are due back next Thursday (Dec. 12), so this is the only reminder you’ll see from yours truly. Thanks, in advance.