• Evergreen trees are not really EVER green. The needles of coniferous trees don't stay on forever. As the needles become older, they drop off the tree to make room for new needles!
  
• Today, 98% (98 of every 100) of the trees grown for the holidays are grown on farms.
  
• The Christmas tree for the White House has to be exactly 18 1/2 feet tall and look great with the decorations chosen by the First Lady.
  
• In October or November, the Head Usher of the White House visits the farm of the National Christmas Tree Association's Grand Champion grower for the year to select the perfect tree. Holiday trees were once used by Chimney Sweeps to clean the soot out of dirty chimneys!
  
• Real Conifer needles need just the right amount of sunlight for the tree to produce food. The triangle shape of the tree is an adaptation that allows more needles to "see" the sun.
  
• As a tree grows older and taller, less sunlight reaches the needles on the lower part of the tree. When this happens, the lower areas shed their needles – and eventually – their branches.
  
• Trees help filter dust and smog from the air AND they help stop erosion by holding soil in place!
• Moose, Whitetail deer, chickadees, squirrels, nutcrackers, and porcupines all use the Balsam fir (its needles or seeds) for food.

•    ½ cup rolled oats
•    2 tablespoons glitter or decorating sugar

Mix together and sprinkle outside on Christmas Eve, before you go to sleep. This recipe is best for sparkle; however, if you have lots of birds and other wildlife in your area, you may want to try substituting holiday-colored decorating sugars for the glitter, as glitter can be harmful to your neighborhood birds if they eat it.

These cute little cookies are sure to be a big hit with the kids this year. Don’t forget to leave Santa some with a big glass of milk! This fun Christmas recipe for kids is easy to make and super fun to eat. Give some as gifts, great for teachers!

What You Need

1 roll of pre-made sugar cookie dough
small pretzel rings
M & Ms
1 bell shaped cookie cutter
flour
baking sheet

What You Do

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Open cookie dough and mix in about 1/4 cup of flour to make the dough a stiffer consistency. Lightly flour the table, then roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness.

* Where do they come from?

Most fake trees (85%) in the U.S. are imported from China. Almost 10 Million fake trees were sold worldwide in 2003. The U.S. Commerce Dept. tracks the Import of Fake Trees
Most fake trees are made of metals and plastic. * What are the factories like where they’re made?

As noted in the Washington Post, “On the concrete floors of Zhang’s Shuitou Company factory, migrant workers, most earning about $100 a month, squat in front of hissing machinery as they melt chips into moildable plastic…”

Read the full article.

* What are fake trees made of?

Most artificial Christmas trees are made of metals and plastics. The plastic material, typically PVC, can be a potential source of hazardous lead. Read a warning about them from the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition.
Lead can sometimes be found in artificial trees. * Why do some artificial trees carry a warning label?

The potential for lead poisoning is great enough that fake trees made in China are required by California Prop 65 to have a warning label.

Read more about the effects of lead poisoning.

Learn more about lead in artificial trees.

View a 2007 report from CNN on the dangers of lead in holiday decorations, such as fake trees and wreaths:

• The adaptability of the species should be considered. Many species are shipped outside of their natural area and may not be adaptable to other areas. Check with a reliable nursery or extension forester.
• Keep in mind that Living Trees are VERY heavy and bulky. A six foot tall balled and burlapped tree will weigh as much as 250 pounds.
• The tree should be stored in an unheated, sheltered area such as a garage or porch, out of the wind and sun. Do not expose the tree to freezing temperatures at any time.
• The tree will need adequate water. The root ball or soil should be kept slightly damp but not flooded. Wrap the root ball of a balled tree in plastic or place in a tub while it is in the house.
• Live trees may be decorated, but with care. If lights are used, they must not give off any heat.
• Do not remove the tree directly from a warm house out into freezing temperatures. Instead, move to a sheltered area first for several days.
• If the ground is unfrozen, the tree may be replanted. The spot to be dug should be mulched to prevent freezing. Plant as soon as possible.
• Do not remove the burlap and strapping (unless it is plastic). This keeps the root ball solid and secure. In the instance of a plastic cover, cut the cord and roll down the plastic at least half way prior to planting. Tap the tree container of a potted tree and remove prior to planting. Do not attempt to remove soil from the root system. Earth removed from the original hole should be backfilled around the root ball. Mulch heavily over the top of the planted root ball to prevent it from freezing. Water only as needed: a flooded tree may not survive.
• Stake the trees to prevent wind tipping or damage during the first growing season.

USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) and your local Christmas Tree professional.