Fletcher老師家的圣誕樹準備好了，你的呢？附中英文獨家攻略

At a GlanceOne of the most iconic images during the December holiday season is the Christmas tree. Every family has their own version of this tradition, but the one universal standard is that presents are placed under the tree for children to open on Christmas day.

圣誕樹可以說是圣誕季中的最具標志性的形象之一了。在美國，家家戶戶都有自己的圣誕傳統，但不變的是大人們會把禮物放在圣誕樹下讓孩子們在圣誕節當天打開。

Some families use artificial trees which they use over and over again each year, but many families, including my own, find a live tree to bring home and decorate. Some years my family drives a great distance from the city to a tree farm, where we chop down our very own live tree. This year we just went to a local nursery to select a live tree.

有的家庭會選擇人造圣誕樹，因為這樣的樹可以用上很多年。但是包括我們家在內的很多家庭會去選一顆真正的圣誕樹然后把它拉回家進行裝飾。有幾年我們一家人會開車到離城市很遠的林場去親手砍下心儀的圣誕樹。今年我們就在一家當地的苗圃選了一棵。

The tree is given a fresh cut at its base to help it soak up water, and then is bundled tightly for transport before being strapped to the top of our car. Once home, we remove the tree from the car, carry it inside and place it in a tree stand, making sure to secure it very tightly at the base!? Next we string lights throughout the tree.? Some families use multi-colored lights but we usually use white lights. Then we cover the tree with ornaments. Some of our ornaments are homemade projects, some are gifts we collect through the years, and others are just store-bought. Every family has different types of ornaments. The final ornament is usually a star at the top of the tree, and then it’s ready for family and friends to enjoy!

圣誕樹要從靠近地面的樹干部分砍斷，這樣可以幫助它吸收水分。在我們把樹綁在車頂上帶回家之前，整棵樹被緊緊地包裹起來（這樣運輸時樹會跟穩定）。到家后，我們把樹從車頂上卸下來，扛到房間里，把它穩穩地插在底座上！然后我們開始把燈系到樹上。

有些家庭喜歡用彩燈，而我們家喜歡用白燈。然后我們開始給樹加上各種其他的裝飾物。有一些裝飾物是可以自己動手做的，有些是我們多年收集的禮物，還有一些只是從商店買的。每個家庭會都用不同種類的裝飾品。最后的點睛之筆，一般是在樹頂的安上一顆星星。然后我們就可以同家人和朋友一起欣賞我們的勞動成果了！

Some families have other traditions as well, like hiding a certain ornament deep in the tree for children to find on Christmas morning. My family does this with a green pickle ornament.? Other families place tinsel all over their tree, which is meant to make the tree appear to have ice on it.? My family’s special tradition is to string rows of popcorn and cranberries using a needle and thread, and layer them around the tree.

有些家庭也有自己的傳統，比如把一些裝飾物藏在樹的深處讓孩子們在圣誕節的清早去尋找。我們這次藏的是一個綠色泡菜樣子的裝飾物。有的家庭還喜歡給樹穿上“金箔衣裳”，看著仿佛是枝頭掛上了雪一般。我們家的特殊傳統是給樹綁上一串串爆米花和小紅莓，這些東西是我們用針線手工穿起來的。

The Christmas tree is a focal point of most homes during this holiday season.? There is a comfort to sitting with family around a Christmas tree, singing songs and laughing while basking in its glow.? My family looks forward to it every year.

圣誕樹將會成為圣誕季室內最為吸睛的東西。和家人圍坐在圣誕樹周圍，沐浴著樹上放出的光，一起唱著歌，一起有說有笑，真的是一件樂事！我們一家人每年都期待著這個特殊的時刻！

Tips

【Choosing 選樹】Fraser Fir is the best because it’s branches are perfect for holding ornaments, freshly cut so it takes water and doesn’t dry out quickly.

弗雷澤冷杉樹是最好的選擇！因為他的樹枝形態完美可以很好地支撐起裝飾物。樹一定要現砍的，這樣有助于它吸收水分，不會很快就干枯。

【Decorating 裝飾】

Lights first, inside then more outside, and then ornaments. My wife’s approach is basically that you can’t have too many. I like them to be personal to my family...ones you’re happy to see again when they come out of storage the next year. After all that, the star at the top. (and then I string popcorn and cranberries to put on it at the end...that’s old school)

先掛燈，從里到外，然后是其他的裝飾物。我妻子的原則基本就是別掛太多的東西。我喜歡讓裝飾物更有自己家的特色，那些能讓我明年還想用的裝飾物。最后，在樹頂擺好星星，就大功告成了。（我們最后會掛米花串和小紅莓串，這是比較傳統的風格）