Christmas with Chevrolet 2019

This post is in partnership with Chevrolet. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It’s kind of become a tradition these last couple years that we have gotten to take out a new Chevrolet pickup truck and drive out to the local tree farm for the full Christmas experience. It’s been so much fun to take the family out in all our winter gear and pick out that perfect Christmas tree to bring home!

Last year we started a new tradition of going to Hansen’s Tree Farm in Ramsey, MN and it’s always such a fun time. They have ‘Christmas sausage’, hot chocolate, apple cider, wagon rides, and a bonfire, all as part of the experience. So we like to take a drive around the property, find a good area of trees that we like, and take the girls out to pick a tree. Last year, I was very pregnant, so we only had to worry about one child. This year we had two kids under 4, so we brought along a couple sleds and we pulled them along for the fun.

This year, we drove a new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD – a little bit bigger than the 1500 we drove last year, but a little more capability for towing (you know, in case we found that Rockefeller Christmas tree and really needed the torque this year!)

We were able to fit both the kiddos and their car seats in the cabin of the truck, no problem, with plenty of room to spare. Chevrolet is actually currently the only manufacturer to offer a four-truck portfolio (including mid-size, light-duty, medium-duty and heavy duty trucks). In addition to that, each of their models offer special editions to further customize your ideal truck.

Tips for Tree Transport

For the holiday season, Chevrolet gave me a few tips to share if you’re planning on going out and picking up your Christmas tree this year. Here are a few things to consider:

1. 1. Be prepared: Always make sure to measure the space in your home so you know exactly what size tree will fit as you pick one out.  Don’t forget to leave enough room for the tree topper!
   2. Stay warm: Bundle up, wear boots and bring a pair of gloves to make sure you stay warm when chopping down your tree. Whether it’s snowing or wet outside, be sure to bring a piece of cardboard to kneel on while you cut your tree down.
   3. Choose Wisely: Most tree farms have a lot of options to choose from, so take your time and inspect the trees before you pick one out. The National Christmas Tree Association recommends testing out the branches to make sure the tree isn’t too dry or unhealthy.
   4. Chop Chop: Cut your tree low to the ground and straight across. Have a buddy pull the tree slightly away from the side you’re cutting to prevent the saw from binding and make it easier to cut all the way through.
   5. Use netting: All trees should be put into netting or a sleeve for easy transport.
   6. Stump first: Put the stump-end of the tree towards the front of your truck to help mitigate movement within the bed of the truck.
   7. Tie it down tight: Center your tree in the bed of the truck, loop twine through the integrated tie-down hooks and repeat to cinch with a “figure-8” motion securing the tree. In the 2020 Silverado HD 2500, there are 12 fixed tie downs stationed throughout the bed of the truck to help you secure the tree from moving around while you drive.
   8. Tailgate up: The best way to transport your tree is with the tailgate up. If your tree is bigger than your truck bed, you can transport it with the tailgate down – just make sure to tie a red ribbon on the end of the tree so drivers behind you can see it and follow local laws about items extending beyond your vehicle.
   9. Don’t forget to water your tree: Make sure you put your tree into water immediately when you get home and place it away from heat sources like fireplaces or radiators that can dry it out. The tree will drink up a lot of water the first couple of days so make sure to check on the water level throughout the season. That way you can keep it alive and healthy all holiday season long!

Packing for the Tree Farm Trip

When we went to get our tree, I kept the kid’s bulky winter wear in a large horizontal tote to keep it contained but also to keep them safe in their car seats. It makes it a little easier to pack for the day as well because you can make sure you have everything you need in one fell swoop. Hats, gloves, scarves, snow pants, check – check – check.

I also like to pack the kids water bottles because walking around through heavy snow and the dry air can make for a thirsty child! If your tree farm has snacks like Hansen’s Tree Farm does, you shouldn’t have to worry about bringing hot cocoa or snacks but if it doesn’t, it’s always kind of fun to do so. I also seen a mom pack some cookies and treats to go with hot cocoa and cider which is a cute idea. You can have a little picnic in the bed of your truck – don’t forget a blanket!

We had such a blast this year with the whole family picking out our Christmas tree. The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD was a fun addition to the tradition and made it even more exciting of an adventure! Thanks so much to Chevy for loaning us the vehicle for the day and helping us to create some wonderful holiday memories.

Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday season!!

Sarah