Families Carry on Traditions by Cutting Christmas Trees at Chippewa National Forest

With Christmas just a few days away, some families are carrying out their traditions of cutting down their own trees for the holiday, with many getting permits at places like Chippewa National Forest in northern Minnesota.

“Most of the forest is open. We just ask that folks don’t cut within, like, 150 feet of a highway or a designated campground, boat ramps, picnic area, that type stuff,” said Mike Stearly, public affairs specialist for Chippewa National Forest. “Regulations for sizes, we usually ask that it’s under 12 feet. Some of the popular trees that folks cut are firs, spruce, and the pines, red and white pines. And then we ask folks don’t cut down a large tree and then cut the top off. Please be sure to cut the smaller diameter trees.

Each year, families bundle up and head out to the forest, bringing essentials like a rope sled and a handsaw, as well as their permits.

“We bring rope, and we bring a handsaw. I mean, typically, people want to measure the space in your living room first, just to see if the tree is going to even fit,” said Emma Dainsberg, who was helping her family pick out and cut down a tree near Walker. “Just be self-aware of the areas that you’re cutting your trees down and making sure that you’re not completely depleting a certain area of trees.”

Memories are made as traditions like cutting down trees for Christmas are carried out throughout generations. This also is a learning experience for all. Each step in the process is educational and may not look the same as the next family’s, but this is how each memory is made.

“Tradition – it’s different. It’s something I’m not used to. And it’s also fun for my husband, too, because that keeps his tradition that he did with this family. It keeps that alive,” added Dainsberg. “If you’re bringing kids and getting them into a holiday tradition, I think it’s very important to teach them the value of hard work.”

Trees can be cut any time until December 31st.