No, we do not need to head to Central Park with an axe to get a tree in New York City!

As soon as Thanksgiving passes, the Canadians arrive and set out their trees on street corners throughout the city. Fueled by whiskey and the repeat button on their CD players, the trees are sold 24 hours a day and the supply seems endless—new deliveries arriving everyday of Frasier, Balsam, and Douglas trees (my husband now wants to name our someday first-born “Balsam” after the fantastic tree). It’s as easy as getting your groceries at the corner market!

This convenience brings a hefty price tag, though. We justified purchasing the 8 footer after an entertaining sale highlighted by sniffing each of the trees, assembling our own tree stand on the crowded sidewalk, watching gathering families figure out how to “get in line” on the busy street, and salespeople screaming at each other in French. It was a perfectly Manhattan-ized relaxing experience (“Is there a ticket machine to get in line?” asked one customer waiting after us).

My honey picked the tree up over his shoulder JUST like Paul Bunyan (sap, needles, and all), and we walked a block and a half to our apartment, up the elevator, and in. What a city experience. Our suburban counterparts sit in cars and tie their trees to the roof. Little do they know about roughing it in the Big City!

After decorating the tree to the enchanting sound of Mariah Carey’s Christmas carols, we hung our stockings, lit some apple spice candles and stocked the cabinets with hot chocolate. We were filled with holiday cheer!

Back to the daily grind… Can’t wait to get home tonight, make some hot chocolate and admire our festive apartment and beautiful tree! That Balsam was worth every penny.