The Ashbrook family’s unconventional Christmas tradition revolves around a heartwarmingly humorous pursuit: the annual quest for the ugliest Christmas tree imaginable. This peculiar practice, initiated by Mistry and Samuel Ashbrook in 2007, stemmed from a shared feeling of holiday apathy during their early years of marriage. Fresh out of the military, stationed far from family, and lacking the festive spirit, they embarked on a half-hearted search for a Christmas tree, hoping to ignite some holiday cheer. Fate, or perhaps a mischievous woodland sprite, intervened in the form of a crooked, forlorn sapling. Recognizing a kindred spirit in the dejected conifer, they brought it home, unwittingly planting the seed for a tradition that would blossom into a beloved family affair.
The initial “ugly” tree, a symbol of their unconventional holiday spirit, sparked an annual tradition of seeking out the most aesthetically challenged specimens. What began as a whimsical antidote to holiday ennui evolved into a cherished ritual, a testament to the couple’s unique bond and shared sense of humor. Year after year, the hunt for the most imperfect pine became a highlight of their holiday season, a playful rebellion against the conventional pursuit of picture-perfect Christmas decor. As their tradition took root, it began to spread its branches, encompassing family and friends who were drawn to the Ashbrooks’ unconventional celebration of the holiday season.
Samuel’s aunt and uncle, captivated by the charm of the “ugly” tree tradition, joined the annual quest, transforming it into a friendly competition. The two families embarked on parallel missions, each striving to outdo the other in their pursuit of the most comically flawed fir. This playful rivalry added another layer of enjoyment to the tradition, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared amusement among the extended family. The quest for the ugliest tree became a bonding experience, a source of laughter and shared memories that strengthened the ties between them.
Mistry’s mother, Roxanne Lonctom, also embraced the unconventional charm of the “ugly” tree tradition, adding her own appreciation to the growing chorus of admirers. The family’s annual quest for the most aesthetically challenged tree became a source of amusement and anticipation for all involved. The tradition continued to grow organically, spreading joy and laughter among family and friends who eagerly awaited the annual unveiling of the chosen tree. This close-knit circle appreciated the humor and the underlying message of embracing imperfection, finding beauty in the unconventional, and celebrating the spirit of the season in a unique and personal way.
The “ugly” tree tradition, once a private family affair, stepped into the limelight when Mistry shared a video of their latest acquisition on TikTok. The video unexpectedly went viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of views and introducing the Ashbrooks’ unique holiday tradition to a global audience. The overwhelming response was overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers expressing appreciation for the family’s embrace of imperfection and their celebration of the unconventional. The “ugly” tree resonated with people who found beauty in its quirks and saw a reflection of their own experiences with imperfect holidays.
The viral video sparked an outpouring of comments, with many viewers drawing comparisons between the Ashbrooks’ tree and iconic pop culture representations of unconventional Christmas trees. Some likened it to the Charlie Brown Christmas tree, a symbol of finding beauty in simplicity and embracing the true meaning of the season. Others saw a connection to Phoebe Buffay from the popular sitcom “Friends,” whose eccentric personality and appreciation for the unconventional resonated with the spirit of the “ugly” tree tradition. The widespread recognition and positive reception solidified the Ashbrooks’ unconventional celebration as a heartwarming and humorous alternative to traditional holiday decor. Their “ugly” tree, once a symbol of their own personal holiday journey, became a beacon of acceptance and a celebration of the unconventional for a global audience.
