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Several legends try to explain the origin of the Christmas tree. About 1,200 years ago in northern German an English missionary met a group of Druids who were going to sacrifice a young prince to the God Thor. The missionary stopped the sacrifice, which was a hanging, by cutting down an oak tree. A young fir tree immediately appeared and the missionary told The Druids this was their new holy tree.
    In the 1400s the Germans decorated trees at Christmas using apples and small white wafers as decorations. Legend states Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformation leader, started the custom of Christmas tree decoration. He used lighted candles as an attempt to emulate the night sky with stars twinkling through the branches of an evergreen.
    In the United States Christmas trees were decorated with lit candles, popcorn and cranberries. Colored balls, other ornaments, and electric lights came later.
    Many species of trees are used as Christmas trees. Our state tree, the Norway (red) pine, white pine, Scots (or Scotch) pine, white spruce and balsam fir are popular.
    The growing of Christmas trees can be profitable and personally rewarding. Pines can be planted 1,200 per acre – six feet apart and spruce a little closer at 1,700 and acre – five feet apart. I have planted 13,500 spruce and pines on various properties using both a hand and pull-behind mechanical planter. This is a labor of love as you are outside and like a woodpile; there is self-satisfaction when the job is completed.
    If drought, rodents and disease don’t kill the trees, they can be harvested. There are state and national organizations that advise growers in planting, growing and marketing procedures. Local agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources, can be of benefit, as well.
    Once in the home, certain safety precautions should be followed. Keeping the tree away from heat sources is paramount. If you use electric lights, make sure they are UL approved and in good working order, having good connections, no frayed wire and the like. Turn off lights when leaving or retiring for the night. Have a fire extinguisher available (and learn how to operate it) and keep the tree watered. Since a Christmas tree fire spreads rapidly, immediately call the local fire department and vacate the home… use good common sense! Every holiday season, it seems, we hear of tragedies. Dispose of the tree shortly after the holidays, as it will dry out eventually and become a potential cause of a fire. Some locations have Christmas tree pick-up service or drop-off locations.     Have a safe and Merry Christmas.