A 53 year old tradition ends.....

[fairgambit]

The Gambits are going through some difficult times. Recent deaths among extended family and friends, nagging (non life-threatening) medical issues that afflict Mrs.G and I, unexpected financial burdens....
These are certainly not unique to us, and others suffer far worse, but they have made it difficult to continue our 53 year live tree tradition. Most of those years involved venturing into the fields of a tree farm and cutting the treasure ourselves. Sadly, this year that tradition will end. The decision was difficult, but necessary.
God willing, it will resume next year, but, for now, the Gambits will decorate a very nice ARTIFICIAL....FAKE Christmas tree. This saddens me more than you can imagine, but life goes on. Still, Christmas is about more than a tree. It's a time of reflection, love, hope, and so much more. The Gambits wish all who visit this Board peace, good health, and much happiness. May God Bless us, every one.

 

[PA_JOE]

The Gambits are going through some difficult times. Recent deaths among extended family and friends, nagging (non life-threatening) medical issues that afflict Mrs.G and I, unexpected financial burdens....
These are certainly not unique to us, and others suffer far worse, but they have made it difficult to continue our 53 year live tree tradition. Most of those years involved venturing into the fields of a tree farm and cutting the treasure ourselves. Sadly, this year that tradition will end. The decision was difficult, but necessary.
God willing, it will resume next year, but, for now, the Gambits will decorate a very nice ARTIFICIAL....FAKE Christmas tree. This saddens me more than you can imagine, but life goes on. Still, Christmas is about more than a tree. It's a time of reflection, love, hope, and so much more. The Gambits wish all who visit this Board peace, good health, and much happiness. May God Bless us, every one.

 

[AvalonJohn]

Yes, I remember the days as a kid until the tree farm in Frazier, PA sold off to developers. With my dad and sometimes my uncle, hot chocolate and all ..... special memories !! Hope you can get back to it next year !!

 

[Alphalion75]

????

 

[Tom McAndrew]

The Gambits are going through some difficult times. Recent deaths among extended family and friends, nagging (non life-threatening) medical issues that afflict Mrs.G and I, unexpected financial burdens....
These are certainly not unique to us, and others suffer far worse, but they have made it difficult to continue our 53 year live tree tradition. Most of those years involved venturing into the fields of a tree farm and cutting the treasure ourselves. Sadly, this year that tradition will end. The decision was difficult, but necessary.
God willing, it will resume next year, but, for now, the Gambits will decorate a very nice ARTIFICIAL....FAKE Christmas tree. This saddens me more than you can imagine, but life goes on. Still, Christmas is about more than a tree. It's a time of reflection, love, hope, and so much more. The Gambits wish all who visit this Board peace, good health, and much happiness. May God Bless us, every one.

I was starting to wonder where your annual story of your trip to the tree farm was. I'm so sorry to read that you'll be unable to continue that tradition. And also sad to read about the medical issues that Mrs. Fair and you are experiencing.

Wishing the best to Mrs. Fair, to you, and to your entire family this holiday season, @fairgambit

 

[fairgambit]

I was starting to wonder where your annual story of your trip to the tree farm was. I'm so sorry to read that you'll be unable to continue that tradition. And also sad to read to read about the medical issues that Mrs. Fair and you are experiencing.

Wishing the best to Mrs. Fair, to you, and to your entire family this holiday season, @fairgambit

Thanks Tom. And all the best to you, and your family, as well.

 

[ApexLion]

All the best to you @fairgambit and your family. The milfs at the tree farm will have to wait for your return next year. Merry Christmas! P.s we have a fake tree for 15 years now after cutting trees for years and I haven’t noticed less holiday spirit. Buy some pine candles.

 

[JoeBagobagels]

The Gambits are going through some difficult times. Recent deaths among extended family and friends, nagging (non life-threatening) medical issues that afflict Mrs.G and I, unexpected financial burdens....
These are certainly not unique to us, and others suffer far worse, but they have made it difficult to continue our 53 year live tree tradition. Most of those years involved venturing into the fields of a tree farm and cutting the treasure ourselves. Sadly, this year that tradition will end. The decision was difficult, but necessary.
God willing, it will resume next year, but, for now, the Gambits will decorate a very nice ARTIFICIAL....FAKE Christmas tree. This saddens me more than you can imagine, but life goes on. Still, Christmas is about more than a tree. It's a time of reflection, love, hope, and so much more. The Gambits wish all who visit this Board peace, good health, and much happiness. May God Bless us, every one.

For years we have had an artificial tree for convenience . But I get it.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

I have a Star Wars tree. Use it for Christmas and Easter.

 

[Fac]

Wishing you the best Fair. We are all getting older.
Maybe you can post some "best of" Christmas tree shopping stories from prior years.

 

[Aardvark86]

If I’d have seen this earlier and was near you, I’d load you both up in the back of my vehicle with some of my homemade hot cocoa, driven you to the tree farm in the mountains, and cut it down for you myself.

 

[84lion]

I have a Star Wars tree. Use it for Christmas and Easter.

Don't forget the 4th of May!

 

[razpsu]

The Gambits are going through some difficult times. Recent deaths among extended family and friends, nagging (non life-threatening) medical issues that afflict Mrs.G and I, unexpected financial burdens....
These are certainly not unique to us, and others suffer far worse, but they have made it difficult to continue our 53 year live tree tradition. Most of those years involved venturing into the fields of a tree farm and cutting the treasure ourselves. Sadly, this year that tradition will end. The decision was difficult, but necessary.
God willing, it will resume next year, but, for now, the Gambits will decorate a very nice ARTIFICIAL....FAKE Christmas tree. This saddens me more than you can imagine, but life goes on. Still, Christmas is about more than a tree. It's a time of reflection, love, hope, and so much more. The Gambits wish all who visit this Board peace, good health, and much happiness. May God Bless us, every one.

Very disappointing that you didn’t post in advance and have someone on the board come with you and cut it and put it on your truck and bring to your house. With your vast tree cutting ability you obviously are in senior management of picking out, cutting trees and putting them up and could have taught a young padawan the ways of the tree. I am sure many on here would have jumped at the opportunity to learn from the best. Please pass on your knowledge to someone next year if you are unable to again make the trek of tree hunting and cutting.

have a great Christmas!

 

[fairgambit]

Very disappointing that you didn’t post in advance and have someone on the board come with you and cut it and put it on your truck and bring to your house. With your vast tree cutting ability you obviously are in senior management of picking out, cutting trees and putting them up and could have taught a young padawan the ways of the tree. I am sure many on here would have jumped at the opportunity to learn from the best. Please pass on your knowledge to someone next year if you are unable to again make the trek of tree hunting and cutting.

have a great Christmas!

The decision to end the tradition was just made yesterday (Saturday). On Friday I fully expected to go out today and, at worst, get a real tree, fresh cut by the farm. Sadly, a cousin's funeral was yesterday and that led to the final decision.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

Very sorry to hear this. Your annual tails from the farm are the stuff of board legend. That said (and most importantly), sending warmest wishes for a healing (or at least calming) closure to all that ails the Gambit family.

Of course the question now raised is how the clerks/staff handled a hoard of Gambits wandering through their store, axe/saw in hand, and eventually chopping down one of their artificial beauties?

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

I will drive to Pittsburgh and farm a tree for you yinz s for a handle of knob

 

[razpsu]

I will drive to Pittsburgh and farm a tree for you yinz s for a handle of knob

Your first volunteer!!! Way to step up and learn from the master.

 

[Nittering Nabob]

How are you going to be able to share your holiday wishes with Mercedes Bambi?

 

[Mr. Potter]

I look forward to next year's Christmas Tree Adventure with Fairgambit then.

Merry Christmas to you and your family with wishes of good health to all.

 

[Tgar]

Merry Christmas to Fair and Mrs. Gambit. Thank you for the update and Wishing you all the best in 2026.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Actually I think TGAR (Pittsburgh local) should farm your tree. TGAR whats your cell?

 

[Bwifan]

The Gambits are going through some difficult times. Recent deaths among extended family and friends, nagging (non life-threatening) medical issues that afflict Mrs.G and I, unexpected financial burdens....
These are certainly not unique to us, and others suffer far worse, but they have made it difficult to continue our 53 year live tree tradition. Most of those years involved venturing into the fields of a tree farm and cutting the treasure ourselves. Sadly, this year that tradition will end. The decision was difficult, but necessary.
God willing, it will resume next year, but, for now, the Gambits will decorate a very nice ARTIFICIAL....FAKE Christmas tree. This saddens me more than you can imagine, but life goes on. Still, Christmas is about more than a tree. It's a time of reflection, love, hope, and so much more. The Gambits wish all who visit this Board peace, good health, and much happiness. May God Bless us, every one.

We switched to artificial when we moved to Florida. Initially because of running back to PA during the Christmas holidays we didn't want to worry about someone watering the tree and burning the house down while we were gone. As time has gone on I do actually enjoy the articial tree now. I was hard core and said I would never have an artificial tree. The new artifical trees go up so easily, lights are already on so all you have to do is add ornaments. I am supposed to come up to PA this week, like you I lost a family member on wednesday. (My mother passed). I really don't even feel like celebrating much this year. I almost want to sit this year out. I will think it over the next day or two. Hopeful we here of your venture next Christmas in search of that beautiful tree. Wishing everyone peace and good health in the upcoming year.

 

[SleepyLion]

I would have helped. I can always use an excuse to get out to your area of the world.

 

[pendal1]

The Gambits are going through some difficult times. Recent deaths among extended family and friends, nagging (non life-threatening) medical issues that afflict Mrs.G and I, unexpected financial burdens....
These are certainly not unique to us, and others suffer far worse, but they have made it difficult to continue our 53 year live tree tradition. Most of those years involved venturing into the fields of a tree farm and cutting the treasure ourselves. Sadly, this year that tradition will end. The decision was difficult, but necessary.
God willing, it will resume next year, but, for now, the Gambits will decorate a very nice ARTIFICIAL....FAKE Christmas tree. This saddens me more than you can imagine, but life goes on. Still, Christmas is about more than a tree. It's a time of reflection, love, hope, and so much more. The Gambits wish all who visit this Board peace, good health, and much happiness. May God Bless us, every one.

Nevermind important things like tradition. You were there - 77 Penn State vs 78 Penn State. I always thought 77 was better. What say you?

 

[fairgambit]

We switched to artificial when we moved to Florida. Initially because of running back to PA during the Christmas holidays we didn't want to worry about someone watering the tree and burning the house down while we were gone. As time has gone on I do actually enjoy the articial tree now. I was hard core and said I would never have an artificial tree. The new artifical trees go up so easily, lights are already on so all you have to do is add ornaments. I am supposed to come up to PA this week, like you I lost a family member on wednesday. (My mother passed). I really don't even feel like celebrating much this year. I almost want to sit this year out. I will think it over the next day or two. Hopeful we here of your venture next Christmas in search of that beautiful tree. Wishing everyone peace and good health in the upcoming year.

I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. My Mom died 35 years ago, but I still think of her, and pray for her, every day. I will add a prayer today for your Mom.
As for trees, I know that the modern ones can look great, but to me, nothing beats the look, and SMELL, of a fresh cut pine. Perhaps that will change after this year's experience, but I hope not.
May God help you, and your family, get through this difficult time.

 

[fairgambit]

Nevermind important things like tradition. You were there - 77 Penn State vs 78 Penn State. I always thought 77 was better. What say you?

My Penn State days proceeded those years. Lets just say I was stupid enough to wear a "dink' for a day or two.

 

[pendal1]

My Penn State days proceeded those years. Lets just say I was stupid enough to wear a "dink' for a day or two.

But did you have season tickets then or did you get them later?

 

[fairgambit]

But did you have season tickets then or did you get them later?

The first year after graduation I bought single game tickets and went to every game anyway, so the following year I joined the Nittany Lion Club and bought season tickets. I had them in 77 and 78.
I preferred the 78 season because I saw road wins at Ohio State, Kentucky, and WVU.

 

[pendal1]

The first year after graduation I bought single game tickets and went to every game anyway, so the following year I joined the Nittany Lion Club and bought season tickets. I had them in 77 and 78.
I preferred the 78 season because I saw road wins at Ohio State, Kentucky, and WVU.

And people forget Kentucky was very good back then. I just thought 77 Penn State was more talented with guys like Cefalo.
That's how I started with single game tickets. There's a 60 minute piece on Joe and Penn State in 78 and joe indicated tickets were $10 a game. Great piece and it's available on YouTube.

 

[fairgambit]

And people forget Kentucky was very good back then. I just thought 77 Penn State was more talented with guys like Cefalo.
That's how I started with single game tickets. There's a 60 minute piece on Joe and Penn State in 78 and joe indicated tickets were $10 a game. Great piece and it's available on YouTube.

Jimmy Cefalo is one of my all time favorite players. Handsome, smart, well spoken, terrific athlete.....

 

[Fayette_LION]

The Gambits are going through some difficult times. Recent deaths among extended family and friends, nagging (non life-threatening) medical issues that afflict Mrs.G and I, unexpected financial burdens....
These are certainly not unique to us, and others suffer far worse, but they have made it difficult to continue our 53 year live tree tradition. Most of those years involved venturing into the fields of a tree farm and cutting the treasure ourselves. Sadly, this year that tradition will end. The decision was difficult, but necessary.
God willing, it will resume next year, but, for now, the Gambits will decorate a very nice ARTIFICIAL....FAKE Christmas tree. This saddens me more than you can imagine, but life goes on. Still, Christmas is about more than a tree. It's a time of reflection, love, hope, and so much more. The Gambits wish all who visit this Board peace, good health, and much happiness. May God Bless us, every one.

Wife got a tick on her from the last live tree we got. That ended that tradition quickly. All she did was hold the tree while I tightened the screws on the base. 2 days later she asked what was on her back. It was already imbedded.

 

[pendal1]

Jimmy Cefalo is one of my all time favorite players. Handsome, smart, well spoken, terrific athlete.....

Agreed. I thought he was going to return every punt for a TD. He's from my area in NEPA. Fitzke is another guy I thought would be a star in the NFL but it didn't happen.

 

[Zenophile]

May the light of your tree be the spark that illuminates the path for the Christmas spirit to find its way to the @fairgambit family.

 

[fairgambit]

May the light of your tree be the spark that illuminates the path for the Christmas to find its way to the @fairgambit family.

Thank you Zenophile. You are one of my favorite posters. Merry Christmas!

 

[Bwifan]

I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. My Mom died 35 years ago, but I still think of her, and pray for her, every day. I will add a prayer today for your Mom.
As for trees, I know that the modern ones can look great, but to me, nothing beats the look, and SMELL, of a fresh cut pine. Perhaps that will change after this year's experience, but I hope not.
May God help you, and your family, get through this difficult time.

That is the one thing I miss of a live tree is that fresh smell. As hard as it is to lose your mother near Christmas my family is glad she is at peace. She fought Parkinson's for 15 years and now is reunited with my father. No more suffering.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

We switched to artificial when we moved to Florida. Initially because of running back to PA during the Christmas holidays we didn't want to worry about someone watering the tree and burning the house down while we were gone. As time has gone on I do actually enjoy the articial tree now. I was hard core and said I would never have an artificial tree. The new artifical trees go up so easily, lights are already on so all you have to do is add ornaments. I am supposed to come up to PA this week, like you I lost a family member on wednesday. (My mother passed). I really don't even feel like celebrating much this year. I almost want to sit this year out. I will think it over the next day or two. Hopeful we here of your venture next Christmas in search of that beautiful tree. Wishing everyone peace and good health in the upcoming year.

Sorry to read of the loss of your mother, @Bwifan. I don't think there is any "good" time to lose a parent. But a passing right around the holidays is tough on so many levels.

Enjoy your time back in PA. It's a little colder than what you've gotten used to down in FL.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

Sorry to read of the loss of your mother, @Bwifan. I don't there is any "good" time to lose a parent. But a passing right around the holidays is tough on so many levels.

Enjoy your time back in PA. It's a little colder than what you've gotten used to down in FL.

I wish Gambit well, too. Sorry for your loss.

 

[Bwifan]

Sorry to read of the loss of your mother, @Bwifan. I don't think there is any "good" time to lose a parent. But a passing right around the holidays is tough on so many levels.

Enjoy your time back in PA. It's a little colder than what you've gotten used to down in FL.

Thanks Tom. Never easy to lose a parent especially around the holidays. Her Parkinson's was just taking over and we are at peace she is reunited with my father. In all of her hallucinations she woke up 2 weeks ago completely lucid and awake suddenly and told my daughter how she had just spent 15 minutes with my father and hadn't seen him in 3 years. (He died 3 years ago). She told my daughter that she told my father she wanted to go with him and he told her it wasn't time yet but it would be soon and he left. Then went back into her hallucinations. Gives me goose bumps.... Talking to many hospice people the stories they have shared with me just like this are amazing. There is definetly something on the other side after life here on earth.

 

[rudedude]

The Gambits are going through some difficult times. Recent deaths among extended family and friends, nagging (non life-threatening) medical issues that afflict Mrs.G and I, unexpected financial burdens....
These are certainly not unique to us, and others suffer far worse, but they have made it difficult to continue our 53 year live tree tradition. Most of those years involved venturing into the fields of a tree farm and cutting the treasure ourselves. Sadly, this year that tradition will end. The decision was difficult, but necessary.
God willing, it will resume next year, but, for now, the Gambits will decorate a very nice ARTIFICIAL....FAKE Christmas tree. This saddens me more than you can imagine, but life goes on. Still, Christmas is about more than a tree. It's a time of reflection, love, hope, and so much more. The Gambits wish all who visit this Board peace, good health, and much happiness. May God Bless us, every one.

Your tradition didn’t end, it’s just the modern AI version now. Wishing you and Mrs Fair a blessed holiday season and wishes towards better health. Will the AI tree be up for as long as the traditional tree?

 

[rudedude]

Very disappointing that you didn’t post in advance and have someone on the board come with you and cut it and put it on your truck and bring to your house. With your vast tree cutting ability you obviously are in senior management of picking out, cutting trees and putting them up and could have taught a young padawan the ways of the tree. I am sure many on here would have jumped at the opportunity to learn from the best. Please pass on your knowledge to someone next year if you are unable to again make the trek of tree hunting and cutting.

have a great Christmas!

Tree decorating expertise!