The Helgesons Holiday Family Traditions

Oconto, Wisconsin

We are all about family traditions in our house! And now we have the tree farm with the Helgesons tradition. Every year since the one I was in my Mama’s belly, we have been going to the tree farm. Cut down the perfect tree and pray it doesn’t hit our ceiling. Then spend the evening listening to classic holiday music, think Burl Ives & Frank Sinatra. Drinking sparkling grape juice, snacking on a charcuterie board, and decorating our tree. We have continued this tradition within our home and every year we make a special trip to Whispering Pines Tree Farm. It’s the best of the best tree farms in Wisconsin.

Once upon a time, I grew up going to the best tree farm in all the land. Just ask my cousins back in Missouri, they have continued the tradition with their children as well. We spent each year playing in the creek, munching on Grandma’s baggies full of fishies (cheddar crackers) and homemade cookies. We’d sip hot cocoa, sit on Santa’s lap, and shop the Santa’s workshop style store. While the adults cut down our trees we would play hide n’ seek and play in the hay. Pea Ridge Forest brought magic to our holiday, check them out if you’re ever between Jeff City & St. Louis, Missouri during the holidays.

We upgraded to some seriously gorgeous evergreen trees

Now days the location looks a little different but we’ve upgraded to some seriously gorgeous evergreen trees here in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is the real deal when it comes to the perfect Christmas Tree. It’s usually a tough decision because instead of hunting for “the one”. Now we play around in the field awhile before we choose, because every tree is picturesque. Plus we still get to enjoy Santa and shop in a workshop style store. We take Thomas the Train out to the field or a horse drawn wagon ride. Often times it will snow a little and make the whole day even more magical!

Settle the debate! Do you prefer a short and round tree or a tall & skinny? Full or sparse? Spruce, pine, or fir? Most importantly, real or fake?

The Helgesons Holiday Traditions throughout the years

See our tree farm family tradition throughout the years. | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016

Our second favorite holiday tradition since living in Wisconsin has been visiting Cedarburg every year. Around the Holidays we stop by Santa in his Workshop and tell him what we want. We window shop at Cedarcreek Settlement, always giving in and buying a few more ornaments relating to our heritage. Usually from Germany, Russia, or Scandinavia. Want to see for yourself what all the fuss is about? Here is our Cedarburg Holiday trip throughout the years. | 2019 | 2018 |

What is your absolute favorite tradition during this holiday season?

Christmas Tree Farm with The Helgesons

And “the tree” that defined 2020!!