Oh Christmas Tree

Like many Americans, I find Christmas trees to be festive and lovely. The smell of pine, the warmth of lights, the ornaments with sentimental value. So I'm not going to rain on this tradition--as I so often do with traditions that have long since ceased to be reflected upon. Rather, on Andrea's suggestion, I am going to offer equally festive and lovely but more eco-friendly alternatives to our current and common habit of chopping down live trees (or buying already-chopped-down trees from Big John or Big Bubba or whomever), dragging them into our homes, stringing them with lights, surrounding them with gifts wrapped in paper, and then--after the parties and the unwrapping and the eggnogging are over, dragging them back out of our homes and into the streets to be taken off as trash.

What would Jesus do?

Well, he might purchase a potted tree that can be replanted and live a long life producing oxygen after Christmas is over. Your local nursery is a wonderful source of such trees.

Or he might go on ebay (yes, Jesus uses ebay) and order a vintage artificial tree that speaks of times and celebrations past and otherwise would end up in a landfill.

Or decorate a tree in your yard. Presents can find other places to look beautiful and await opening inside the home. Have one of your children write Santa a letter to let him know where to leave the electronics.

Or make a family project out of making a tree from scrap materials--cloth, lumber, newspaper. The new family tradition could be to see who comes up with the most creative idea.

Or bring the spirit of sharing back into Christmas by choosing one tree on your street to be the "town tree" that neighbors help decorate.

A lot of people love decorating their homes for Christmas. Some see it as a chore or an obligation. Those in either camp can make the season more fun by challenging themselves to imbue their traditions with a pinch of eco-awareness. I'm thinking of having an edible tree this year: a little rosemary cone tree for the dining room table.

If you've already bought a chopped tree, there's always next year. And remember, when it comes time to take it down--don't just drag it to the trash. Recycle it. For tips, go to www.earth911.com.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.