It’s that time of year, and admittedly, they’re everywhere. From front windows, to public spaces, to stores and offices, our beloved Christmas trees just seem to brighten spirits and help to ring in the holidays. The look, the scent (if they’re ‘live’) and the emotions they evoke just seem so right this time of year. The lights and decorator’s choices of what goes on them and how they’re placed can work magic, for either families, singles, and whomever else may be getting in on the action.The big three–fake, ‘live’, or in-the-pot; one of these fellas is bound to be gracing us with their presence, somewhere throughout the course of our days.
First, the fake. These guys are probably the most wide and varied of the bunch. I’ve seen rainbow trees (for our LGBTQ friends), white and sparkly ones, green and bushy ones, even an all-black with golden lights (which, though unusual, was actually quite pretty). I’ve seen these guys range from teeny-tiny, mere inches tall, to humongous towering monoliths. I’d call these fake fellas the easiest, as far as maintenance and the take-down goes. No water needed, yet keep your eye on the pets, they have their own way of viewing the trees and what their purpose may be. When its all said and done, simply undecorate, give ’em a good shake-down, and shove ’em back in the box, lights still attached and everything. A little insider tip: hang one of those car scent (pine, of course) little hang-off-the-rearview mirror things; hang it as an ornament. It works wonders. No, really!
Next, the chopped variety that die-hards will always consider the ‘proper’ tree. They already come with that scent attached along with the sometimes drippy sap. These guys, though, are a little harder on the take-down/clean-up end. Those dried pine needles that the vacuum cleaner may have missed may show up full years later. For my fellow tree-hugger friends (they probably already know this) the whole concept of chopping down a sustainable beauty, these guys are grown specifically for this purpose (your holiday enjoyment) and the crops immediately replanted so you may acquire another beauty, same time next year. (Think that beauty in New York City/Rockefeller Center). An added bonus, you can tow/drag/carry your already dead tree to a Christmas tree bonfire, churches often have them. They catch fire very quickly and consequently burn out fast, But man, in the moment when a whole bunch of them is torched up, it’s a pretty spectacular sight to behold.
Finally, the grown-right-there-in-the-pot varieties are likely the best choice for those who prefer the sustainability of our beloved trees. They’re sold everywhere. They may be decorated just like the other trees, with the benefit of being able to plant right there in the ground when you feel it’s time to do so. And sure, decorate that guy outside, too!
Whichever direction you’ve gone in (fake, ‘live’ or in-the-pot) appreciate their beauty–in my opinion, at least–for as long as you possibly can. They grace us just once a year; appreciate them for the joy they may have brought us.
I’ve always had a passion for anything growing, I’m an admitted tree hugger. From seedlings to full-on mature trees, to all the things plants can do for our fragile environment, that pretty much sums up my borderline obsession for all things green.
Leslie Cramer / Spotlight Magazine contributing writer
I’ve always had a passion for anything growing, I’m an admitted tree hugger. From seedlings to full-on mature trees, to all the things plants can do for our fragile environment, that pretty much sums up my borderline obsession for all things green.