That’s why we love Boston Christmas Trees. In the five years that we’ve lived in Cambridge it’s become a family tradition. Best of all is our “Christmas tree guy”, Tyler. This man has watched us argue, taken our pictures, and packed up the tree, placing it securely on the roof or our car every year. As my son said “He’s as much a Christmas tradition as red and green m&m’s, shrimp cocktail, and treasure hunts…”

Yearly we walk into the area with drama. We begin to look over the trees, arguing loudly about the merits and defects of each tree, oblivious to others who may find this annoying. Some go with the huge trees, some want the small; others go for the just right. We ultimately hold a democratic vote and the tree that wins is admired for a few minutes. “It’s just perfect” “Just the right shape” “I love the size”  are some of the appreciative comments murmured as we, satisfied with our choice, self congratulate.

At Boston Christmas Trees the anonymity that represents some places in the city is absent. Tyler knows us! Yearly we give him our family update and if one person is missing, he asks where they are. This year it was “There’s not as many of you this year! Where’s the one that usually films you getting the tree?” That’s Micah and we are missing him as he enjoys his first Christmas as a married man in Phoenix with his in-laws. “How about the one in Egypt?” he says. “We’ll see her next week!” we reply. And the talk goes on. In a most unlikely way, this Christmas Tree business feels like family. They are genuinely interested in who we are and have all the time and patience in the world to chat and participate in this once a year event – Christmas tree shopping.

The tree secured on top of our little car, we head home to decorate, accompanied by eggnog, green and red m&m’s and Mariah Carey belting out “All I want for Christmas is you!” It is a satisfying tradition, made more meaningful through a relationship and connection with our Christmas tree guy.