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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 30, 2016)
Christmas Tree Hunts are a local family tradition By Craig F. Eisenbeis, Correspondent Nearly everyone in Western culture has grown up in the shadow of the Christmas tree. Regardless of a person’s background, the Christmas tree is a familiar — and inescapable — symbol of this time of year. Although tied to the literality of “Christ’s Mass,” and its celebration of the Christian tra- dition of the Nativity of Jesus, the actual birth date is not known; and it is generally acknowl- edged that the date of December 25 was some- what arbitrarily selected, most likely to con- form to preexisting seasonal festivals, most notably the Roman Saturnalia. Initially, the celebration of the Nativity was not an integral part of the Christian faith at all and was not even observed until hundreds of years after the event. The actual celebration, as a holiday or observance, did not begin until the middle of the fourth century. Christmas trees, as we know them today, did not appear until much, much later. There is evidence that the Christmas tree had its beginnings in pagan traditions dat- ing back more than a thousand years but was adopted into Christian custom in the 16th or 17th centuries. The Christmas tree tradition is generally considered to have begun in north- ern Europe, with Germany most often cited as the point of origin. By the mid-19th century, Christmas trees had become common through- out Britain. With its non-Christian roots, the Christmas tree has occasionally been denounced as a pagan symbol or, at the other extreme, decried as a religious infringement on secular soci- ety. Most people, however, tend to regard the Christmas tree more benignly as a suitable and festive way to celebrate the season. By the time that the first settlers of European descent arrived in Sisters Country, in the latter part of the 19th century, the Christmas tree cus- tom was well established. Back then, obtaining a Christmas tree simply meant going out into the forest, cutting the perfect tree, and bringing it home to decorate. That was traditional then, and it still can be today. If your idea of a traditional Christmas does not involve an artificial tree or an urban Christmas tree lot, those of us in Sisters Country have a clear alternative. With thou- sands of acres of National Forest surround- ing Sisters, it is easy to make a Christmas tree experience the centerpiece of a memorable outdoor family event. The first step, of course, is to obtain a Christmas tree permit from the National Forest Service or one of the other PHOTO BY CRAIG F. EISENBEIS LocalK ChristmasK treeK huntersK showK offK theirK prize.K AK ForestK ServiceK treeK permitK canK beK freeK forK fourthK graders,KsuchKasKtheKyoungsterKpicturedKhere. outlets where tree-cutting permits are sold. Christmas tree permits cost $5 each, and up to five permits are permitted per household. The Northwest’s Douglas fir tree is commonly considered the nation’s Christmas tree; and, in fact, Northwest Douglas firs are shipped all over the world. Douglas firs are common in many areas near Sisters, as are true fir spe- cies such as noble, white, Pacific silver, red, and grand firs. In the Sisters area, fir trees are most often found at slightly higher elevations outside of town; so the timing of a Christmas tree expedi- tion can become a balancing act as the snow line begins to fall. Keep in mind that a Forest Service permit is valid only on Forest Service lands, so tree- hunters must be certain that the selected tree is not on private land. If unsure, it is a good idea to have a Forest Service map that clearly shows forest boundaries. Trees selected for cutting must be at least 150 feet from state highways, picnic areas, campgrounds, or other developed sites. Trees within 300 feet of streams and lakes are also off-limits. Other guidelines include selecting a tree that is no more than 12 feet tall. Trees taller than 12 feet require a special permit. The tree to be cut must also be within 15 feet of another tree; so, if the tree is standing alone in an open space, find another tree. Complete copies of Christmas tree-hunting guidelines and regulations can be obtained wherever tree permits are sold. Forest Service personnel will also provide guidance on areas where cutting is permitted and where to find particular tree species. The Sisters Ranger District office is located at the corner of Highway 20 and North Pine Street, on the west side of town. For further information call 541-549-7700. In addition to the Forest Service office, tree permits are also available at Sisters Ace Hardware, Bi-Mart, Sisters Mainline Station, Sisters Rental, the Camp Sherman Store, Blazin Saddles and FivePine. If you happen to be a fourth-grader — or know one — a tree permit can be obtained at no cost. This free tree program is an extension of the “Every Kid in a Park” (EKIP) initiative sponsored by the White House. EKIP entitles fourth-graders to a free National Park pass and a free tree from a National Forest. To claim a free Christmas tree permit for your fourth grader, first obtain an EKIP pass by logging on to www.everykidinapark.gov then take the pass to a Forest Service office. The goal of EKIP is to promote young people’s connections with nature and the outdoors. Finally, be sure that your Christmas tree hunt is a safe one; so, be sure you are prop- erly equipped. Children often have a tendency to wander off, so keep a close eye on children while in the woods. If you travel any signifi- cant distance from your vehicle, you should be prepared for outdoor winter travel; and remem- ber that winter weather conditions can change rapidly. Also, it is always a good idea to let someone know where you are going; and carry appropriate emergency supplies. Jill’s Wild Tasteful Women Wednesday, November 30, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 17 Wine, Women & Chocolate Christmas Show Fri, Dec 9 4 to 7 p.m. Sat, Dec 10 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 207 N. Fir St., Sisters 541-617-6078 jillnealgallery.com RENEW & REFINISH Granite | Cabinet | Wood | Floors D U S T L E S S | N O N - T O X I C | FA S T 541-317-WOOD (9663) www.NHance.com/CentralOregon | ccb#176051 Detail-Oriented Interior Design Furniture • Bedding • Lighting Rugs • Art • Accessories • Fabric Dishes • Hardware the nest design studio 541-977-2744 | 413 W. Hood Ave., #C 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. - Sat. thenestdesignstudio.com Th e Season of Giving is upon us... . O OUT WEST T REALTY are gathering Ray’s Food Place Gift G i ft Certifi cates to benefi t local children through g the Circle of Friends outreach. c h . ... and the Brokers at t Gift certifi cates will be used to buy G mu u much-needed food for local children. We will have a giving box at our r front desk through December 23. f 3 3. All Al A l l gift gi i ft -certifi cate donations are greatly appreciated! i at a ted ed! d ! OUT WEST REALTY Your Hometown Experts with a World of Experience 541-549-3333 9 33 3333 33 | www.ILoveCentralOregon.com ww ww IL ILov ov eCen eC C ent tr t r al alO l O reg r eg Located in the Outlaw Station, 625 N. Arrowleaf Trail