For generations, evergreens like holly and fir have held special meaning during the winter months and are the holiday favourites here at Tree Island Yogurt.
However, long before they were a part of modern Christmas traditions, Celtic cultures considered evergreen plants as symbols of everlasting hope. Even in the darkest days of winter, these trees stayed green, reminding people that life continues and light will return.
Over time, these symbols were carried into European holiday traditions and eventually into how many of us decorate our homes today. A wreath on the door or boughs on the table are more than seasonal decor, they’re quiet reminders of resilience, connection, and continuity.
If you plan to gather greenery yourself, where it comes from matters. You can’t harvest just anywhere, and public or protected land is not the place. Traditionally, people have sourced these greens from family land or with permission from a friend’s property.
Holly trees, in particular, were often planted near older properties for protective purposes. If you look around your neighbourhood or visit family/generational homes, you might be surprised to find one growing quietly nearby. Still, always ask first, and take only what you need.
Another option is to visit a local market or sustainable Christmas tree farm. In British Columbia, licensed farms and research forests offer regulated, responsible access. Buying locally supports your community and ensures the trees are grown, harvested and replaced with care.
Need to cut your tree? Don’t be a Griswold, put down the chainsaw.
Using clean, sharp pruners makes a significant difference with less risk to the tree. A neat cut on a slight angle allows moisture to shed more easily and supports healthy regrowth. The goal is to leave the tree looking much the same as you found it, just a little lighter.
If you’re taking a few branches from a living, planted tree, a light hand goes a long way. Look for smaller offshoots rather than cutting large or central branches. This helps the tree keep its natural shape and continue growing after the holiday season is over.
Holiday greens like wreaths, table centrepieces and door boughs don’t need to be elaborate to feel special. A few fresh branches, some florist wire, and a bit of time are often enough. Working in one direction as you build helps everything sit naturally, and cutting back as you go keeps the shape loose and organic.
One small detail that makes a big difference is ribbon. Choosing a sturdy, well-made ribbon means you can use it again year after year. Over time, it can become part of your own holiday tradition.
From there, feel free to add a few ornaments, bells, or simple accents if you’d like, but greenery on its own often says plenty.
Tree Island Yogurt takes its name from the place we call home. The West Coast is shaped by water, forest, and weather, and those elements are part of everyday life here. Trees aren’t just scenery. They’re shelter, connection, and quiet constants through changing seasons.
Our name is also a nod to the long-standing idea of the Tree of Life, a symbol found across many cultures. It represents how everything is connected and how life depends on balance and care.
That sense of connection is something we think about often, especially during the festive season when community and togetherness come into focus.
From all of us at Tree Island Yogurt, happy holidays!
