Amid hugs and plenty of tears, a Luxembourg family has decided to set free the Christmas tree that was a part of their family for more than three weeks.

The tree, a 2.14-meter-tall fir, had been with the Bailey family since it was purchased in a parking lot in mid-December from a man with a gold tooth and a filterless cigarette stuck to his lip.

During its time with the family, the tree participated in holiday songs and games. It played a central role in their Christmas gift-giving tradition. The family even dressed up the tree, covering it in their favorite ornaments and lights.

However, when the needles started to fall out and the cat peed on the tree for the third time, the parents decided the tree would be happier back in the forest with its friends.

“Goodbye, dear tree,” said father Jerome Bailly, holding his wife Fabiola for support after dropping the tree on the cold mud in the Bambesch.

“We’re going to miss you,” said daughter Karola, age 13.

However, the tree didn’t run off into the woods as the father had promised, making the separation even that more difficult.

“Don’t you understand, you big dummy, you’re free now,” said son Max, age nine, with tears covering his face. “Go on, get out of here.”

When the tree still didn’t move, the boy ran toward it as if he were going to kick it, but instead he broke down into sobs and gave it a hug.

“Can’t we keep it, daddy?” he said, gasping. “It can live with me in my room. I promise I’ll take care of it.”

“We have to be strong,” said Fabiola, leading her son away. “The tree will live with us – in our hearts.”

After a few more heartbreaking moments, the family said a final goodbye, hopped in their green Skoda, and drove to a pizzeria where they ate lunch and talked about their plans for a ski trip in March. Within minutes, they had forgotten about the tree.

According to reports, the tree didn’t rejoin its friends in the forest, but was eventually dragged to the side of the path by an irate woman walking her dog.

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