Dear Cape Friends,
If you’re new here - welcome! If you’ve been with me awhile, you already know: I love a good Cape Cod story, especially one that blends history, humor, and the slightly odd way our region adopts traditions. And every week I try to give you a mix of Cape life and a practical real estate insight - because understanding this market is as much a part of living here as wreaths on picket fences and cranberry bog sunsets.
So here’s a Christmas tale you may not know:
The Christmas tree almost didn’t make it to America… and New England almost shut the whole thing down.
Let’s rewind.
Long before true Cape Codders (or Coddahs) were strapping wreaths to their Subaru Outbacks and debating whether the lobster-pot tree looks “festive” or “smelly,” the Christmas tree was actually a German invention. In the 1500s, families dragged evergreens indoors to brighten up the darkest months. Who knew? (I always assumed Germany was strictly schnitzel, beer, Henkels knives and BMWs.)
Meanwhile, early New Englanders - our spiritual ancestors - were feeling - well, less festive. They literally banned Christmas altogether.
No trees. No wreaths. No eggnog. Nothing.
Anyone remember the old classic Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town? The evil villain character, Burgermeister Meisterburger tried banning toys, joy, fun - basically everything. When I was 9, I hated that mofo, even more than homework. Turns out the Puritans would’ve agreed with him.
But then things shifted..
In 1848, an illustration of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert standing beside a decorated Christmas tree landed in Boston and New York newspapers. New Englanders - who have always had a soft spot for anything British and charming - collectively said:
“Alright… that actually looks kinda cool.” (but in 1848-speak)
Within a decade, the same region that once outlawed Christmas embraced the Christmas tree like it invented it. And from there, the tradition swept across America.
Of course, the Cape did what the Cape always does: We Cape-ified it.
-We swapped British tinsel for strings of cranberries…
-Put candles in every window (garage included)…
-Realized balsam firs beat every candle Yankee Candle ever made…
-And naturally… built Christmas trees out of lobster pots.
(Only on Cape Cod could fishing gear become holiday décor.)
And when you see a perfectly shaped tree tied to the roof of a Suburban or Outback (or any SUV for that matter), you know exactly where it’s headed: a cozy Cape living room with shiplap walls, a fireplace, the smell of cookies baking, and a dog who believes the tree skirt is his new bed (or bathroom). What the fluff!
But here’s the real takeaway:
Traditions evolve. Places evolve. And homes evolve right along with us.
Which leads me to a quick Real Estate note:
December and January are two of the smartest months to prep if you’re thinking about a 2026 move. Less competition. Serious buyers only. And time to make thoughtful choices - just like the Christmas tree’s slow, steady journey into New England homes.
For a no-pressure read on your home’s value - or to browse listings, market updates, or past newsletters - visit PaulBorde.com, or text your address to 914-438-0719.
AGAIN - NO FIRESIDE CHAT THIS WEEK.
Wishing you a warm, bright, perfectly pine-scented week…
See you around the elbow,
Paul