When I was a child, my family always had an artificial tree. Since striking out on my own, I've started decorating a real tree at my place.

Last year was the first time I put up my very own Christmas tree, which I selected from a tree farm and chopped down myself. I learned from a friend that once the tree is transported to it's final destination, it is best to make a fresh cut when the tree is placed in the stand so that it can take in water better.

After getting my tree home, making a fresh cut, securing the tree in a stand, adding water, and beginning to decorate, I noticed the disc of tree from making the pre-stand cut sitting on the coffee table. I couldn't simply throw it away since it was my first tree. Instead, I made an ornament out of it – documenting the date of tree-chopping, tree height, and tree farm name on the piece of wood as a fond memory; drilling a hole toward the top to add a hook and ribbon. Voila!

I suppose this is how traditions start. I did the same thing with this year's tree disc. Merry Christmas!