Don't look now, but the holiday season is upon us.  We're already seeing wreaths pop up on the doors of some of our neighbors' houses in the Broadmoor district of Shreveport.  The house at the corner of Fern and Pierremont has replaced the skeletons dangling from the trees in their front yard with turkeys and pilgrims.

No doubt there are already a few people who are already putting up Christmas trees.  Ordinarily I would find this to be a sign of insanity, but this season is different.  It's been an insane year filled with hurricanes and mass shootings.  A Christmas tree glowing in the living room or den is a comforting sight, and comfort is what we need right now.

If you're thinking about putting up your Christmas tree early this year, here are a couple of things to think about:

  • If you're going to put up a Christmas tree before Thanksgiving, you should consider an artificial tree.  The odds of a live tree staying green all the way through Christmas Day are slim.
  • When buying a live tree, look for the freshest one you can find. The needles should be dark green and should not shed when you run your hand down the tree.
  • When you get the tree home, immediately cut about an inch off the bottom.  This will help it absorb water.
  • Put the tree in water as soon as possible, and keep the stand filled at all times.  A typical tree can absorb up to a quart per day per inch in diameter, so you may have to top off the stand every day.
  • There is no need to add a preservative or Christmas tree "food" like sugar or corn syrup.  Experts say that these have no effect on the longevity of the tree.
  • Keep the tree out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like space heaters or central heating vents.
  • Use a room humidifier to help keep the tree moist and fresh.

So, if you want to put up your Christmas tree before Thanksgiving this year, you'll get no argument or judgment from me.  In 2017, we need a little Christmas, right this very minute.

 

 

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