Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

I'm a Christmas tree snob.

Believe me, I've tried to resist it. I'm generally an environmentally conscious person who recycles, uses fabric grocery bags, and energy-efficient light bulbs. I KNOW it's not good to cut down trees every year simply to adorn them with twinkly lights and pretty ornaments. But I cannot give up my Christmas tree. Oh, the glorious smell of pine that wafts through my living room! Oh, the wonderful needles that prick my fingers as I delicately place ornaments on its branches! Oh, the pine needles that fall off onto my floor and crunch under my feet!

There will never be a Christmas tree more loved than mine. Since I was a kid, I've always eagerly awaited the job of watering the tree. I have loved laying under its branches to look up at all the lights peek-a-booing between green boughs. I will unashamedly declare that I have hugged my Christmas tree.

I've tried buying a mini tree in a pot. I've even listened to friends discuss the pros of those nasty artificial plastic-y things that camouflage as Christmas trees...."I don't have to clean anything!" "The lights are already on it!" "It's so much cheaper than buying a new tree every year!" "It's less wasteful!" Oh, yes, the waste. This is the one argument that causes me to twinge with guilt. But hooray for the city of Lakewood! They have a fantastic initiative that somewhat relieves my guilt. After the holidays, Christmas trees are collected through the city's excellent curbside recycling program. Trees are then converted to wood chips which are available for residents to pick up free of charge throughout the year.

Find a recycling program in your area by visiting the National Christmas Tree Association's website and entering your zip code. Happy Holidays to all!