TBA! It’s that time of year when many American families follow a delightful tradition in rural regions of the United States. A drive out to snowy woodlands culminates in searching out, choosing and cutting down a magnificent Christmas tree, Tannenbaum, strapping it to the car then transporting it home.

Fortunately for Americans and other expats living in the region, it is possible to uphold the tradition of felling a Christmas tree in the Ruhr Metropolis too.

It would seem that Fir, Tanne, and spruce, Fichte, trees await to be felled in the rich woodlands of Forsthof Haard at Haltern am See in the northern region of the Ruhr.

Otherwise, festive Gut Diepensiepen in Ratingen offers the opportunity to fell your own tree between November 30 and December 22, Wednesday thru Sunday. Schlosshof Garath welcomes you to cut your own tree on a late Advent Sunday otherwise purchase locally sourced trees from early December. Both allow you to cut personally or will fell the Christmas tree of your choice for you.

As anyone who has watched a kitsch seasonal movie knows, decorating one’s own freshly cut tree is a marvellous experience. The beautiful scent is more intense while less needles are normally dropped. All that remains is to pile the presents around the base, gather together, grab some eggnog and read Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. Merry Christmas and enjoy!

Photo: © Gut Diepensiepen