Trees can be artificial, or real and already pre-cut so you can simply go to a local Boy Scout troop or other organization and purchase one.  You can also go to a local tree farm, pick out your favorite tree, cut it down and take it home.

Another option, the “green” one, is to purchase a live tree with its ball of roots intact.  Decorate it and use it inside your home as usual, but plant the tree outside when Christmas is over.

If you consider this option, here are a few recommendations from David Beaulieu:

-Dig the hole for planting long before Christmas so you will not have to dig in frozen dirt.  Bring the dirt you remove inside to keep it from freezing.

-Keep the tree watered (the rootball).

-Avoid large temperature swings for the tree.  Place the tree in the coolest spot in the house and do not keep it in the warm house for too long.

- The tree needs a 2 week transitional period temperature-wise.  After Christmas, take it out of the warm house, but not out into freezing temperatures right away.  David Beaulieu recommends storing it in a garage during this period.

-The roots should be unwrapped before planting.  After planting, water and mulch.

-Dogs and children love to play with things that sparkle and shine.  Do not hang breakable ornaments low on the tree within reach of animals and children.  Children, especially, can break glass ornaments and be cut badly.  If you need to decorate the bottom of the tree, use plastic or wood decorations.

-Make sure all extra cords, including extension cords, are not laying out where children, animals or the elderly may trip over them.

-Be aware of safety issues with any plants you bring into the house during the holidays.  A few will be addressed here:

• Consuming mistletoe by young children or pets causes severe stomach cramps and diarrhea.  It can be fatal.

• I never had a poinsettia plant in my house when my children were young because I was told that poinsettias were poisonous.  That, however, is a myth.  You should be aware, though, that poinsettia sap that can ooze from the branches can cause contact dermatitis in some people.  Make sure not to touch your eyes after touching the sap.

• Holly berries “being violently emetic and purgative” (per David Beaulieu), can cause excessive vomiting soon after they are swallowed.

So, enjoy the Christmas season, but be cognizant of hazards which may be facing your children and pets as you bring so many new items into your home.

When I was Director of Marketing for a nonprofit group serving women and children, our organization put up a Christmas tree in a local bank.  The tree was decorated with ornaments made by the children and customers had the opportunity to purchase an ornament and thereby support our cause.  I was devastated to learn that we had to remove the tree because one of the non-Christian bank customers had complained about it.

According to Wikipedia, in 2008, 76% of the U.S. population identified themselves as Christian.  One can assume therefore that Christmas is a holiday enjoyed by a majority of U.S. citizens, and religious minorities should expect that Christmas activities will blanket the country in December. I don’t believe that Christians should be limited in their celebration.

On the other hand, I realize it is very difficult to be a non-Christian during this time of the year.  It must be especially hard for children.  The more recent development which makes dealing with the season even more onerous for non-Christians is the extension of the commercial timeframe.  Last year local department stores began decorating with Christmas décor BEFORE Thanksgiving.

Adam Sandler sang a series of songs about Chanukah, which address the theme of Jewish children feeling left out during the Christmas season.  They are humorous songs, but indicative of some of the stress and alienation that exists.

So this year I am hoping we can all make an effort to enjoy our respective religious holidays without limiting what others can do.  Be sensitive to those of all religions and respect their ability to celebrate as they wish.  The holiday season should be filled with love and living in harmony.

• Drill a small hole in the bottom of the tree to increase water intake.

• Make sure your tree is kept in a reservoir while it is inside.  Check the water daily to make sure that the tree is not drying out.  Lack of water will lead to browning and loss of needles.  If your tree is being kept outside or on a non-heated porch, there is no need for water.

• Allow your tree some time to fall.  Leave it on a porch outside overnight.  This allows the tree to regain its natural shape and shake off any loose needles before you bring it inside.

• Avoid Fire hazards and over drying.  Be sure to keep the tree away from heaters, vents, fireplaces, etc.

• Always recycle your Christmas tree.  It can be used for mulch or wood chips.  Go online to find a tree recycling program near you.

Balsam Fir- Balsam Fir trees have short, flat, dark green needles.  They have a very strong fragrance that people associate with the holidays, and are the most common type of Christmas tree.

Frasier Fir – Named for John Fraser, who explored the Appalachians in the late 1700’s, these trees have dark green, flattened needles. They are famous for their good needle retention, cone shape, and dense, strong branches.

Scotch Pine- These trees have stiff branches and long, dark green, rounded needles.  Scotch Pines are less dense and have more room for ornaments. Also, these trees have a long-lasting scent, as long as they receive plenty of water.

Douglas Fir –Douglas Fir trees have more of a bluish color.  The 1” to 1 ½” needles have one of the best aromas among Christmas trees. These trees also have a great pyramid shape.

White Pine – White pine trees have soft, blue-green needles, which they retain throughout the holiday season.  They have a very full appearance and support fewer decorations.  These trees are less scented than most, and are better for people with allergies.

Get plenty of sleep- Don’t stress out about shopping.  Start early and do as much as you can online to avoid the traffic and crowded malls.  Also, try a cup of herbal tea to settle your nerves before bed.

Be germ conscious- Keep germs in mind while at a Christmas party or in a crowded store.  Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Drink plenty of water and always remember to cover your mouth with the bend in your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Also, vitamin C is of the utmost importance.

Rethink dessert and avoid over-eating – Use common sense. In stead of a whole dessert buffet, serve one or two of your favorites.  Also, create a delicious fruit platter to serve after dinner.  If you must, try dipping the fruit in dark chocolate (It’s still healthier than chocolate cake.)

Fire safety- Before you make a roaring fire in the fireplace; check to make sure that the chimney is clean and free of all debris.  If not, harmful smoke and chemicals could fill your home, making you and your guests sick.   Also, be sure to keep all candles away from anything flammable.

Here are a few different kind of my favorite cookies to much on during Christmas time:

1. Peanut Blossoms
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
3. Toffee Butter Crunch
4. Chocolate Chip Brickle bars
5. Muddy Buddies

When decorating your house with Christmas lights its important that you show your holiday spirit, but at the same time you don’t want to over do it. I’m sorry if I step on any one’s toes, but I think that when you drive past those houses that are completely covered in lights (especially a lot of different colors) it just looks tacky. Another pet peeve of mine is when people put up those inflatable decorations. Those are by far the worst kind of Christmas decorations out there (the snow globe being the worst of them). Like I mentioned, I’m sorry if I’m stepping on any one’s toes and I know that everyone has their own taste. My personal taste is to have all yellow lights (and maybe one other color) neatly outlining your house and bushes.

Here is an example of BAD Christmas lights:

Here is an example of TASTEFUL Christmas Lights:

See the difference! Much better

However, if you really want to give gifts to a few of your workplace favorites, go for it.  Just make sure to do it in private, so others don’t feel uncomfortable.

Remember a thoughtful holiday card as well.