2008, by powderjunky

Not sure how mass consumerism and high electricity bills got tied into the celebration of God’s only son. But the oddest tradition has got to be the Christmas tree. I am just as guilty as the rest of the folks out there that cling on to this time honored tradition of tree abortion. Many times have I marched into the woods, saw in hand to find that “perfect” casualty to make my holiday complete.

Now I have tried fake trees, but let’s be honest, the materials those are made of are just as bad as the notion of murdering innocent saplings. I have been able to rest easier as the forest service vows the five dollar fee to cut a tree goes to planting new ones. They seem like a trusting organization, and why would a government organization lie?

Well, I am not here to persuade people what they should or shouldn’t do to celebrate Christmas. I am only here to say, if you plan on cutting a tree, avoid being lazy. Don’t pick a tree that is close to the road. Instead, find an area that is used by your local backcountry skiing community. A little thinning of the trees never hurt and will be much appreciated by all involved. You got a tree, we got more space to maneuver, everyone’s happy. Except Jesus, who is probably still perplexed on how all of this is meant to remember him anyway?

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