Plastic or Real

It's December! It's time for most Christians to decorate their house with a Christmas tree. This year I almost convinced husband to buy a fake tree. Both of us have never had anything but a once living tree so this was a huge step. Things I hate about a real tree-EVERYTHING! I can anticipate a month of sneezing and wheezing due to the pollen. I can't have any part of it touch my skin or I'll break out in a rash. The constant monitoring of the water level. The dropping of needles and having them stick into the sole of your feet. Each swipe of the dog's tail ends up causing hundreds of needles to fall so it's an endless battle.
This year I could finally unbox our tree instead of hauling in a once living fir. That is until I read an article on "how to minimize the environmental impact of my tree purchase--and enjoy the beauty and smell of a real Christmas tree while knowing you’ve done your part to protect the planet." Oh no-they had me at doing my part to protect the planet.

Point #1:While there are admittedly some chemical inputs used in tree production, the amount pales in comparison to the volume that’s used to produce a typical plastic tree.
Point #2:Real trees help support the U.S. economy.Real Christmas trees create jobs right here in the United States. More than 80 percent of artificial trees sold here are manufactured in China.
Point #3: Support local farms.You’ll minimize the amount of fossil-fuel burned getting the tree from the farm to your house.
Point #4: Real Christmas trees are a natural product that’s easy to recycle. After Christmas is over your real tree is chipped up and turned into mulch.

I'm ready to wait another week to decide even if it's making the kids antsy!

I received yarn in the mail today. This is from the Sundara December 2008 Artist’s Choice Sock Collection(Mixed Palette). I think I'll try to sell all of them as I don't see myself wearing $30/pair socks anytime soon.

It was fun to have a surprise waiting by the mailbox on this chilly December day!