Trimming the Tree 3

Imitation snow, in some form, is attractive on the Christmas tree. Absorbent cotton is commonly employed for the purpose, but rock wool is better. Commercially prepared snow, which is really mica, adds sparkle and camphor flakes are a fairly good substitute. The easiest snow for home use is made by beating a cup of soap flakes into a half cup of water. Work it to the consistency of stiff-beaten white of egg. Then swish it onto the tree with a flip of the hand.

It hardens quickly and stays pure white. It is equally effective when sprinkled on the twiggy branches of deciduous trees and on shrubs like hackberry and huckleberry used in other decorations around the house.

After the Christmas tree has served its purpose, it is usually discarded with scant ceremony. There is nothing quite so sad and sorry-looking as a bedraggled tree, draped with disheveled tinsel, waiting on the curb to be taken to the city dump. This is a tragic ending for a noble tree that was a short time ago the center of life and gaiety.

Some more dignified obsequies may be suggested. In small communities the trees might be taken to a vacant lot or hilltop, where there is no danger of fire spreading, and burned with ceremony and the singing of carols. Twelfth Night would be a good time for it, and some communities have done this. To add beauty to the fire, chemicals can be tossed in which will produce colorful flames. (See Chapter 10)

A practical use for the Christmas trees and greens is to cut them up to mulch flower beds or evergreens, as pro­tection against the winter cold and the sun and the wind of spring. If this is done, tinsel should be removed. It is not appropriate in the garden. A large tree might be placed outdoors as a feeding station for the birds. Suet tied to the branches will attract woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees.

For use in public places, Christmas trees are treated to make them fire-resistant. It is impossible to make a tree absolutely fireproof, but proper treatment will make it unlikely that it will catch fire from any ordinary cause, such as a spark from the fireplace or a fault in the wiring of lights. A dry tree, of course, is inflammable if it has not been treated. This is why all trees and greens displayed in military hospitals must be fireproofed.

It takes a little time and effort to treat a tree, but it is certainly worth the trouble in households where there are small children. Some trees burn more readily than others. A freshly cut tree, of course, will not burn as quickly as one partially dried out. A simple precaution is to keep the tree as fresh as possible. When it is taken home, a small portion can be cut from the trunk and the tree placed in water. If left outdoors it may freeze, but this will keep it fresh until it is needed indoors.
 

Next- Trimming the Tree part4

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