The verdict

Thanks for all the feedback about the Christmas tree dilemma. Carl and I discussed this yesterday, and we decided that we are going to get a tree this year (a small one!). We pretty much live in the Christmas tree capitol of the U.S.A. (I'm not kidding -- we have at least 10 tree farms, probably more, within a three-mile radius of our house), so buying a tree supports our local economy. And, fortunately for us, we have lots of lots of ways to recycle trees around here. We usually leave ours out for the Boy Scouts (they take it away for a $5 donation). To find a tree recycle program in your area, click on over to the National Christmas Tree Association's web site. All you have to do is enter your zip code, and it will tell you where you can take your tree for recycling.