Making a Green Christmas 1

A writer of the seventeenth century declared that "a green Christmas is neither handsome nor healthful." He was referring to Christmas outdoors, of course.

Indoors, the use of evergreens in decoration is traditional. It is interesting to note that evergreens were not used, at first, for their decorative value, but because of their symbolism.

In many parts of the world, any tree which seems to defy the killing cold of winter is given a mystical signifi­cance and is frequently associated with religious feasts and ceremonies. The evergreen tree serves this purpose beautifully. It brings nature indoors. The scent of some, such as the balsam fir, adds fragrance to beauty and builds up enduring memories. Perhaps the sense of smell is the most nostalgic of all. We are probably remembering our childhood when we say that a decorated room not only looks, but "smells like Christmas."

Americans inherited the use of evergreens for Christmas decorations from a varied ancestry. They have used them so freely and enthusiastically, indeed, that some species have been threatened by extinction. Fortunately, many people interested in conservation of our natural resources have paid due attention to the evergreens.

They have made garden club members, if not others, aware of the fact that certain evergreens may be used freely, while others need protection from individuals carried away by Yuletide exuberance.

Each section of the United States has its own problem. Everywhere, or nearly everywhere, there is a wealth of plant material, but some species are plentiful in some states and scarce in others.

For this reason conservation committees of garden clubs have published lists of plants that should not be used for decorations, or should be harvested carefully.

It is impossible to recommend plants for all sections. Everywhere, it seems to me, it is wise to use but not abuse, to cut carefully, and to plant and produce the evergreens most needed.

In general it may be said that balsam fir, white pine, spruce, hemlock, red cedar, arbor-vitae, juniper, yew, box, ivy, barberry and privet are plentiful and may be used freely. Holly, laurel and ground pine are relatively scarce and should be used with respect and discretion.

Making a Green Christmas part2

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