CONIFEROUS TREES GIVE US SOME GREEN

Evergreen or coniferous trees are a reminder of the hardiness of the Canadian winter. The green behind the snow is encouragement of Spring. With a further Arctic blast hitting the East, any hint that warmer weather is coming is needed. Good thing there are lots of warm boots, coats, hats and mitts to keep us going. So my big tree on the front lawn does give me hope! How about you? What is helping you to survive winter?

FALL AWAKENS THE SENSES HERE IN CANADA

Can you hear the swishing of the leaves as you walk along this lane? Do you feel the cool breeze on your face? As you gather some leaves to press in a book for a  project or just to have as a souvenir of the day, does the texture stimulate your hands? What do you smell?  Fall with its simple beauty is a regular phenomenon in Canada. Here in Ontario there is a joy of a simple country drive to see the colours- the reds, the oranges, the yellows- as the deciduous trees lose their leaves and sleep for the winter.

The green coniferous trees keep their green as markers on the woods' edge. A photo can not capture the feelings when viewed live but it tries.

CANADIAN WINTER IMAGES

Snow photos are difficult to take without some contrast. Roaming around my winter garden recently, some opportunities arose. My winter rose! Yes the roses should have been pruned back but this one bush kept blooming well into December!

Milkweed- a reminder those dear Monarch Butterflies have migrated south to Mexico for the winter.

A snow covered coniferous tree- the green all year keeps some colour in the garden. Although taken in my backyard, it is so typical of a Canadian snow scene anywhere. Where are your winter photos taking you?

OUR CHRISTMAS TREE

A house is not fully decorated for Christmas without the tree. We usually get our real tree about 10-14 days before Christmas. Decorated with lights and our favourite bulbs with an Angel with a light and Tasha's little toilet paper creation from Kindergarten, it sits in our Family Room to enjoy.

Christmas trees have their roots in many ancient traditions. From the Egyptians to the Romans and the Druids in Great Britain, everygreen trees were symbols of lasting through winters. Our more modern traditions come from Germany and Scandinavia. We are told Martin Luther put candles on his tree in honour of Christ's birth.

Those traditions were brought to North America when the various immigrant groups arrived. Of course the coniferous trees are prolific here making it easy to have Christmas trees. Now the tree industry is a staple. We can buy a tree from many sources. Our local malls or stores have sellers or go just a little north of the city to a Christmas tree farm, cutting your own tree. Of course you can get an artificial one that are prelit for your convenience.

I like to add these little artificial trees in various spots around the house. The grandchildren can touch and play with them.
The Christmas tree is a highlight in many town squares throughout the country. Even our local town has its own tree in front of the Centre for Performing Arts in Richmond Hill.

As the tree grows over the years, then the light display will become bigger. Actually the Spruce tree on our front lawn is huge now. A testament to Coniferous trees everywhere.
But tell me- do you put a star or an angel at the top? And why did you chose one over the other? Is there a religious reason for you? A family tradition? Or do you just like it?
O Christmas Tree!! Another wonderful song. For all those little children who think their Christmas tree is the best, make sure you make the effort to let them know- yes it is!!