Christmas is a GREEN Holiday!

A few thoughts from Jeff, our resident arborist, concerning Christmas as a "green" holiday.  He posted this on his LinkedIn account last year, and we wanted to share it again.  You can follow him on LinkedIn by clicking HERE.

Given my festive mood, let me speak out from an Arborist’s/Urban Forester’s view to the definition surrounding the term “Green”.  We all have our bents and quirks, none more so than me, but given the meaning and values placed on this week, please allow me the next 131 words:

This week brings a peculiar “Green” emphasis to bear. Holly, Mistletoe and confer trees all have a prime place in and around our celebrations this week. Of course, for Mistletoe, the preferred place is “over” our celebrations!

For those of northern heritages, ever-‘green’ bespeaks of our hope in life and the expected return of Spring. We flaunt this hope by displaying evergreens on the shortest day of the year!

So, this week, pin a sprig of holly, mistletoe, or a candle of an evergreen on your lapel, hat, scarf, or even on your briefcase. (Spruce and Fir are the fragrant ones.) Place a wreath on your door, set ever-‘greens’ on your table centerpiece. And when the comments come, you can answer, “I ‘show’ “Green”, I have hope. “The Spring” is coming.”

Here are a few comments we have received on this post.  I'm putting them here for your enjoyment and edification. :)

1.  Is an olive the same as an evergreen for holiday decorating? - Lisa

I am a northern boy, raised in traditions founded in Northern Europe. However, I never saw live mistletoe in a tree as a child, only the sprig hung by my mother above the front door. Mistletoe was “mystical” not horticultural.

Part of tradition is symbols and the projected meanings and memories associated with them. Yes, the live Christmas tree is a historical symbol and connection to my parentage (begin singing “Oh Tannenbaum”).
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In your specific comment, I say, “Yes, Olive can ‘be Christmas’”. It is much more expressive of “Peace on Earth” than Holly.

2.  The origin of the modern christmas tree is most probably Ancient Germanic and considering the fact there were no conifers in ancient Germany, the original christmas tree was an oak, and it was the centre of a midwinter celebration (actually the shortest day), a festival of the light. Probably the tree was lit up. So, no Tannenbaum (Pinus!) or another conifer. And an olive is way off, traditionwise. -Julles ​

Thanks for the input and perspective. Clearly, all of northern heritage: Celt, Wendt, Teuton, or Norse, have connections (besides the bashing of Roman Legionnaires). As I understand it, all European peoples had celebrations for the Winter Solstice.

The evergreen ‘symbol’ is pre-Christian. A new God didn’t abolish old habits and practices, many were incorporated. They were, and remain today, cultural identity.

As I mentioned to Lisa, I didn’t see mistletoe or holly in the woods as a child (likewise with Rhododendron and Laurel). I lived too far north. Yet, the mistletoe held a special place in our home, due to my mother’s emphasis. As a little boy, it was more mystical than St. Nicholas. There it hung, mandating and inducing kisses for all passing underneath. It wasn’t until my arboricultural training did I understand its true parasitic nature! (Another whole train of thoughts!!)

As to Christmas symbols, my south Florida friends adorn palm trees with light and ornaments. My south Texas friends hang ceramic red chilies and chili shaped lights from Norfolk pines. For my wife, Christmas is not complete without poinsettias, though we live in northern Indiana. “The green” has its historic origins and sources, but real time significances and assignments, a la Lisa's “Christmas Olive”.

May you, Julles, and yours, and all reading, have a very Happy New Year. (Should we begin eating the pork and sauerkraut?)

​Merry Christmas from all the staff at TreeMasters, Inc!  Have a blessed holiday season!
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Jeff, Victoria, Rachel and Alicia

Read More:

Tips for First Time Buyers of Real Christmas Trees