Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

I seldom recall selecting a live Christmas tree as a child. We did a couple of years here and there—my great-uncle Alvin owned a tree farm in Providence, North Carolina—but my conscience was too strong, and I struggled with the fact that the tree would end its cycle when we cut it down. I guess I was a “tree hugger” before it was cool.

Nowadays, I see the beauty and the joy in selecting the perfect live Christmas tree. My husband and I have gone to the Ayers-Kreh Christmas Tree Farm in Stuart several times over the years, and it’s such a sweet and festive environment. Looking to start your own tradition? Ellery Weil has fantastic options in today’s lead story. I’m so glad you’re here to read them.

Head to one of these Virginia tree farms to cut down your very own Christmas tree. (Getty Images/Unsplash)

By Ellery Weil

Here’s what you need to know: While many people pick up a pre-cut tree, if you want to make getting your tree into a bit of an adventure in and of itself, you might want to consider going to a cut-your-own tree farm. 

Our top picks:

• Located just a short drive from Northern Virginia’s busiest enclaves, cozy Middleburg holds Buttonwood Farm. The business grows four different varieties of evergreen. The team at Buttonwood will provide saws and help you load your tree, after which you can treat yourself to a cup of the farm’s hot cider.

• Oak Shade Christmas Tree Farm, located high in the mountains of Culpeper County, has beautiful cut-your-own white pines and Norway spruces. There’s also an on-site artisan shop where you can find homemade jam, honey, carved wooden Adirondack chairs, and handmade hooked rugs, among other locally-made delights.
• Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Snickers Gap Tree Farm has been growing evergreens for more than 40 years. Cut a Douglas fir or a Colorado blue spruce, and they’ll help you shake, secure, and load it. Then, swing by the farm shop for wreaths, garlands, and jugs of delicious local apple cider, or pick up a hot dog for the road at their snack shack.

Pack up your saw (or borrow one from the farm). It’s time to pick a charming Christmas tree.

Richard Byrd, Jr. wasn’t afraid to spread his wings. Although the flightpath he took on the May 9, 1926, North Pole mission raised questions years later, the claim was universally accepted at the time.

Byrd and crewmate Floyd Bennett received the Medal of Honor in response to the flight. 

The Virginian took to the skies again in 1929, becoming the first person to fly over the South Pole. 

Job: Continuous Improvement Manager

Location: American Bath Group in South Boston

Salary: $85,000-$95,000/year

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and influence change across multiple functions.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish rapport at all organizational levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to teach, mentor, and coach others on Lean and CI principles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word) and other standard business applications.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification is a plus.

Job description on Indeed: “The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for facilitating efforts to improve and standardize business processes, identify and implement best practices, and establish performance metrics on the shop floor.

This role works closely with both production and administrative employees to drive efficiency, quality, and employee engagement by applying the principles of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement. The Continuous Improvement Manager serves as a change agent, promoting a culture of problem-solving, collaboration, and accountability throughout the organization.”

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