They will be stripped. Every piece of fine ornamentation removed and placed in storage for another year. Their bodies will dry in the cold wind as they are dumped unceremoniously, compared to their previous occupation, at the roadside. Like so much trash.
Christmas trees of course are being dumped by the thousands, by the tens of thousands, perhaps millions all across North American cities. The cities are arranging for special pickups. Happily for the consciences of some, the trees will be mulched or used in high-tech composting facilities. Yet I can't help wondering if, much like coal and oil, we shouldn't have just left them in the ground.
The birth of Jesus, stripped of all meaning and transformed into a reason to go to the mall is becoming a global holiday. One close friend in a recent email described what she saw on that holy day as "obscene". But think of the day that all 6 billion (or will it be 9 billion by then) of us want a tree in our living room. That will be the definition of obscenity.
I don't quite understand how people started chopping down and hauling trees inside their homes. I assume that it's a pagan thing. Rightly worshiping the beings that provide the oxygen you breathe, not to mention the winter warmth and countless other selfless services they provide. I might also assume that people, our ancestors at least, wouldn't have been so stupid as to actually uproot a tree.
But then things got a little out of control.
And so we have to face the logical conclusion. We must cut out Christmas trees from our annual tradition. Obviously we have to first cut out all the "obscene" gift giving so I'm not holding my breath. That would be terrible for the ailing economy after all.
I'm happy to report that our Christmas tree is a mere branch and that it does the job. Another friend decorates a wreath.
Just some ideas for next year.
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