Get the Christmas tree

Regional Christmas trees from the mountaineering village of Trins

Even as a child, it was the greatest excitement when the decorated Christmas tree stood in our living room on Christmas Eve. Only then was it really Christmas. I can still remember the smell that the tree spread throughout the room over the next few days. But where does the custom of putting a tree in the house and decorating it for Christmas actually come from?

Although it is a symbol of Christmas in Christianity, the Christmas tree probably originated from a pagan tradition. At the time of the winter solstice, so-called winter maias were placed in the house. These green branches were a sign of life, were supposed to drive away winter spirits and promised protection and fertility. In days gone by, families would go into the forest themselves and cut down a tree they liked. For nature conservation reasons, this is no longer possible today and so this event, which is usually steeped in tradition in many families, has been lost. However, anyone who still attaches great importance to this custom and wants to pay attention to the origin of a local tree has the opportunity to visit the Mair family at their Christmas tree farm in Trins.

We wanted to make the experience as authentic as possible and walked along the snow-covered Wiesenweg trail no. 49 from Steinach for about 15 minutes into the valley towards Trins. When we arrived at the Christmas tree farm, we were greeted by the Mair family. Several family members lend a hand here. With Peter, the landlord, we can head straight into the field and start looking for trees. After a few seconds, I head for a really beautiful, very evenly grown and not too large Nordmann fir. The mission seems to have been accomplished - but I've rejoiced too soon. Unfortunately, it's already reserved, Peter explains. Some people come by on a walk in October and mark the tree of their choice with a name tag so that they can pick it up in December. So the search continues. There are many different varieties of Christmas trees. From the classic and universally popular Nordmann fir to the somewhat more unusual Colorado fir. The tree seedlings are purchased at the age of 4 and planted in Trins. It then takes around 6 years for them to grow into a stately Christmas tree.

I stick with the classic Nordmann fir and soon find my ideal tree. The master of the house lends a hand and cuts down the fir tree himself. There are a few other traditionalists in the Christmas tree culture and you soon realize that several families here have a long-standing Christmas tradition.

The price of the tree is calculated according to its height. A yardstick is held next to the tree to divide it into the correct price category. It is then packed in a net for transportation until it is decorated shortly before Christmas. Peter's tip for storage: simply store it in a cool place - protected from wind and sun. It does not need to be put in water either. Before it goes into the Christmas tree cross, simply cut off a slice of the trunk and it should stay fresh for a long time. Incidentally, the moon sign plays a major role in the freshness of the tree. The closer the date of pruning is to the full moon, the more sap the tree will have and the longer it will stay fresh.

The tree is shouldered and carried back the short distance. A tip for next year: come with the toboggan and then harness the tree to the vehicle and pull it out comfortably along the path. One thing is certain for us - a tradition has been born. Next year, we will also collect our tree ourselves from the Christmas tree farm in Trins.

Tip: The Christmas trees from Trins can be purchased at various points of sale in the Wipptal in December. In December, you can also choose your own tree at the Christmas tree nursery on Wiesenweg in Trins and take it home with you.

• Dates for direct collection from the Christmas tree nursery: December 14 & 15, 2024, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm each day