A friend drove over from Morristown to Morris Plains (New Jersey) today. It’s where I spent a decade of my growing up.
Photographed this evergreen for me. Sent me the photo. Between 40 and 50 feet tall now. Wow!
I was wondering if it was still there after all these years.
We had a live tree with the roots encased in a burlap sack just that single year. I remember how we watered it and of course it was really heavy to get out of the living room.
Usually we’d get a cut tree, close to Christmas Eve. You know the ones- sometimes hard to get level in the metal stand or the base of the trunk is too thick so you get a metal bucket and some rocks, the fresh trees that drop needles before Epiphany, or you grab the trunk and are dripping with sappy gum. These real trees evoke Christmas of yesteryear with the pine fragrance. Not a candle or soap or air freshener. True woodsy clean fresh pine along with a tangerine peel says Christmas to me.
This Christmas tree was planted behind St.Paul’s Church in Morris Plains where our dad was the rector. We lived in the Rectory across the street.
The photographer prefers anonymity to a photo credit but I’m grateful for the effort and can’t wait until my brother and sister see this magnificent tree. Thank you.
Happy memories. 
The Hendricks Family Christmas (1963) Tree today. 2-10-19
I bet you were delighted to see your little sapling grow so tall. Have a great week, Ruth!
Yes it was amazing. Thanks Peter. A good week to you, too.
That is really cool.
Thanks Amy. It was very cool to receive.
Wonderful!
Wow! that is incredible to see how time passes. What a difference 56 years makes!
And not just the tree… me!
What a gift that tree. What a gift that photo.
Yes, a true gift. Thanks Audrey.
We also had live trees which we planted, both in my childhood and as new parents in KY. What a treat to se your tree so MANY years later. Ahhhh…memories.
Yes. Memories. ❤️
What a thrill to see it doing so well!
How wonderful, I hope your great-great grandchildren et to see it one day!
Aww, I like your thinking Gilly.
That is amazing! What a wonderful tradition it would be if everyone did that. (At least, everyone who celebrates Christmas.) 🙂