Red Truck Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree Hunting…

In the tradition of the little red truck hauling the freshly cut Christmas tree, I painted this watercolor of our 1972 red Ford Bronco. We used to live up Rist Canyon near Fort Collins, Colorado and used to cut our own tree. There is nothing like hiking through the clear cool mountain air, with the snow dampening the sounds, creating a peaceful stillness. Our kids would build snowmen as we hunted for the perfect tree. This painting features our trusty Australian Shepherd in the foreground. He has a perpetual grin on his face and is always glad to go on an adventure! To send this holiday card click “Create a Card” to create a custom greeting card from our selection of unique watercolor paintings.

Christmas Traditions

Each family has traditions that make Christmas special. We like to spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa and in the morning Grandpa makes his special waffles for us.

Blessing Others

One year, to teach our kids that it’s not all about me, each night leading up to Christmas, we had them draw a slip of paper out of a basket with instructions of something nice they could do to bless others.

The Jessie Tree

Another year, we did the Jessie Tree Tradition. We would read about a promise of the coming Messiah or the fulfillment of this promise. For example that he would be the son of Jessie, that he would be born in Bethlehem, or that he would be born of a virgin. Then we would make homemade ornaments and hang them on the tree for several days leading up to Christmas. There are many free printable ornaments online. For example try: https://www.myjessetree.com/printable-jesse-tree-ornaments/.

The Candy Cane Legend

In addition, there is a legend of the candy maker. He wanted to share the wonderful message of the shepherd king that came to take away our guilt and shame. So he invented the Candy Cane. We designed and printed cards with this story, attached a candy cane to them, and delivered them to our friends and neighbors. Here is a free printable sheet of these cards.

The Christmas Story

Every Christmas Eve, we would gather around the nativity scene and read the story from Luke 1-2:1-21 and the kids would act it our using the nativity figures.

May your Christmas and family traditions be filled with wonder and excitement. Love to you and yours this holiday season!