Cutting Christmas Trees

For years our family has met for Thanksgiving at Jim and Julie Shadle's home in

Libby, Montana, and one day during the weekend we cut Christmas trees in the

forest. We have a bon fire and hot dogs with chili, and lots of fun.

These woodland creatures are (front, from left) Julie Shadle, Stephanie

Paradee, Brian Paradee, Julie Snyder, Anna Paradee; back row, Jeff Paradee,

Jarren Paradee, Larry Snyder, Jim Shadle, Stacy Christie, Devin Christie and

Dave Snyder.

Christmas tree selection begins earlier in the year when Jim

scouts out places where trees of the right species (grand fir,

Abies grandifolia) grow in a beautiful compact form. We like

grand fir trees because they have bright green needles and a

wonderful fragrance.

Of course, after he's found the perfect spot, the guys must check it out ahead of time.

Hey, the perfect spot. It even has firewood!

We wear bright orange and red clothing because it is hunting season. We don't

want to be mistaken for a deer. In addition to white tail deer and mule deer, there

are mountain lions, bears, elk and moose in the forest.

It takes a truckload of stuff to cut Christmas trees.

The first step is to build a bon fire to keep everyone warm.

We can also send smoke signals to neighboring states.

Next, it is essential to be photographed with your nieces, Stephanie and Stacy.

There's plenty to eat, including marshmallows for Devin and snowflakes for Brian.

Being out in the cold can turn your nose to the color of your jacket!

Next, we wander up into the surrounding mountains to look for the perfect tree.

The falling snow mutes the sound and changes the light. It's tranquil and

beautiful.

Looking for the perfect tree can be tough in the forest because it's not a

Christmas tree farm. Every tree has personality. But, if you find a tree in the

middle of a clearing, it will be perfect. It may be very big, but it will be perfect!

More presents fit under big trees!

Cutting the trees is heavy work, but it has to be done delicately, or else the snow

will fall onto the sawyer.

The snow on Dave's orange vest is from Brian's snowball.

Then the trees are carried back to the road … it's best if the road is at the

bottom of the hill.

The children pick small trees for their bedrooms and like Anna they carry them themselves.

Finally, the trees are tied up and loaded into the trailer. It seems that tying a

fresh grand fir should be like the calf-roping event at the rodeo -- a few times

around with the twine, tie it off, and jump up to cheers from the crowd. Actually,

it's more like four guys gift-wrapping a live alligator.

At least it smells great … better than calf-roping!

With the trees wrapped up and in the trailer, the guys can relax.

It's time for another hotdog and a beer.

Thanks J&J!