20 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {quickpunch} What’s something people might not know about Nativity’s Christmas trees? All the trees you see in our lot have been unloaded by our eighth and seventh grade classes, with the support of our adult volunteers. Who’s the most dedicated volunteer? It really takes a village. The Nativity Christmas Tree Lot is made up of parents, staff, grandparents, parishioners, alumni families and many more who dedicate their time every season. Is there a task you look forward to the most? Walking the lot with families in our community and hearing their stories and their holiday plans. Where do you get your trees? Our trees are sourced from three different growers in the state of Oregon. Some use old-school, manual labor to cut and bundle trees. Some use modern technology such as helicopters to transport trees. What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Spending time at our family cabin on the Oregon coast, with our close family. What’s your favorite kind of Christmas tree? My number one is the noble fir—they have the most character. Native to the Pacific Northwest, they’re celebrated for their vibrant blue-green needles, which can sometimes appear silver. Their THE Q & A BRIAN THOM sturdy branches are perfect for holding even the heaviest ornaments, and they boast impressive longevity. Have you ever encountered a real-life Charlie Brown tree? We offer many real-life Charlie Brown trees on the lot! These are made from tree stumps and Christmas tree cut-offs. What’s the biggest tree you have available? We have the unique opportunity of stocking 16-foot-plus trees. And we can fabricate an oversized tree stand in the tree lot shop. Do you have fond memories of getting Christmas trees as a kid? We would visit our family cabin and cut down our own tree in the Oregon National Forest. Walking around with my siblings and parents was always an adventure. Often we would travel for miles to find the perfect tree, deep in the forest. What is your go-to Christmas movie? My six-year-old son and I enjoy watching The Polar Express and The Grinch. Best version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”— Frank Sinatra or Michael Bublé? Frank Sinatra, for sure. Should you start playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving? Why not? Christmas every day! A volunteer from the Nativity School Christmas Tree Lot shares the dirt on flying evergreens, Charlie Brown trees and the communal effort behind Menlo Park’s local lot.
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