In 1992 we were lucky enough to see a tree go to Washington D.C. for the holidays. We made the ornaments to decorate the tree. A friend of mine that lived out where the tree was found in the chippewa national forest make us ornaments of clear plastic trees filled with the sawdust from cutting down the tree. This brought tears to our eyes. Who would have thought. Now 22 years later, we are lucky enough to have another tree from the chippewa national forest go to Washington.The news had followed the tree route to D.C. I did not get to help with ornaments this year, but my DIL got to go to the cutting of the tree with the school children. It was such a small area, only certain people could go. She took a picture of the tree. So later I told her to go out where the tree was cut and get the sawdust. She did and we made ornaments for the teacher and friends that got to go to the cutting down ceremony. I think this is such a cute idea and what a treasure. I still have my ornament from 1992 , and now one from 2014. #1 is the ornaments we made (36 in all) and #2 is the tree ready for cutting. Thanks for looking, We are so proud. Both trees were with in 20 miles of me. Love our forest. Happy Holidays to all.

Such a nice tale you have told us. Memories are wonderful to keep in our hearts and hold on to. Now you have another great on and keepsakes to keep it alive/lillian

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by lilylady 06 Dec 2014

It is special!

What a lovely story. Thank you.

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by lilylady 06 Dec 2014

thank you!

It's beautiful for sure. Wish I could see it.

just thought I would add the picture of the tree at the state capital in washington

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What a wonderful sentiment and tradition. It is a huge tree! Merry Christmas!

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by lilylady 29 Nov 2014

thank you and yes, we have some very large and beautiful trees. Merry Christmas to you!

I do the same as susiequee (collect sand from places we have visited & spoons) so I think this is a wonderful momento of the tree cutting tradition! We all (or most) have a favorite ornament & pulling it out & putting it on the tree is the worthiest trip down memory lane we can take @ Christmas time. One of many lol I am happy for your trip to be revisited by all of those fortunate enough to go this year & you too!~hugs~

How super. And the ornaments are a delightful tough. I know they will mean a lot to the teachers. I am a total nut about Ancient Egypt and had a dear friend who got to go visit. Ask me if I wanted anything directly from Egypt. Told her a few grains of sand would be fine. OMG she brought me a quart size zip lock bag full of sand from all 4 sides of the Great Pyramid. I put some in a corked bottle for each of us. So funny how little things mean so much. This time of year especially. Good thinking. Sand and sawdust, who would have thought.

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by lilylady 28 Nov 2014

shows we are easily entertained.

So wonderful to be able to do this... Suzanne

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by lilylady 28 Nov 2014

I think so, sometimes in life simple things are the best!

How great to participate and your ornaments couldn't be more appropriate! Happy memories for each and a great story for each to share! To me, this is television worthy! I'm going to contact someone. Thank you for the sharing, Joan

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by lilylady 28 Nov 2014

thank you for enjoying!

Great keepsake! And what a wonderful experience for the children - great memories for the holidays they will treasure always.

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by lilylady 28 Nov 2014

Your right, just like me, 22 years from now, they can say I was there!

How exciting!

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by lilylady 28 Nov 2014

yes it was 22 years ago and such a joy now!