Douglas Fir

     I grew up with artificial trees.  I was also into saving the earth way before it was trendy.  For some reason I found it cruel to cut down a tree just to watch it slowly die in your house while you celebrated some holiday only to throw it out a short while later.  Part of the tradition was to assemble the tree.  Needles would fall.  Dust would fly.  It was part of the deal. But this fake tree meant we could put it up the day after Thanksgiving and leave it up way into January. 
     This tradition continued as I grew up.  Sure real trees smelled nice and seemed so romantic but I couldn't get over the feeling of killing something for no good reason.  They take so darn long to grow. Plus, I like stretching it all out a bit.
     The flood happened and the tree was destroyed.  Dust and chemicals were now compounded with mold and who knows what.  It made the decision easier and last year we researched a bit and went for a Frasier Fir.  The needles are so perfect it almost seems artificial but the scent was lush and the tree lasted for a long time.  This year it all started to really click.  I think I read a few articles about the pros and cons of trees.  Artificial trees are loaded with chemicals and will then sit in a landfill for all eternity.  These real trees are grown for just this purpose, help our planet while they grow and then are completely biodegradable. 
     So we stood there at the lot under the string of lights in the chilly air and searched.  A different one caught the eye of the children.  It was fat and anything but symmetrical.  The needles were a bit sharp and the tree guy said it would be less fragrant, drop needles faster and support ornaments less...but they loved it.  Sometimes that's all that matters.  It was lush and full and felt like Christmas.  His name is Dougy and he is our tree.  He is not only a new thing but a true sign that a long life of habits and beliefs can be changed if you flip the switch and change perspectives.  A light bulb moment indeed...and in this case a Christmas light string of bulbs!!