O Christmas Tree

Ben Stechschulte / Redux for TIME

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Alas, those who can't garden to save their lives are out of luck--unless they happen to live in or near Portland, Ore. There the Original Living Christmas Tree Co. delivers potted trees for a holiday rental. A little after New Year's, workers pick them up and deliver them to parks, schools and other institutions that pay $10 to have a tree planted on their property. "We're set to do over 400 trees this year," says founder John Fogel. "I want people to feel good about [live] trees."

Perhaps that's the real benefit of having a fresh tree in your home. "Kids today are so out of touch with nature," says Bob Schildgen, the Sierra Club's environmental-advice columnist. "Just having a living thing in the house can enhance environmental values in a way you can't measure in dollars and cents." So may your days be merry and bright, but may all your Christmases (and any other holidays) be green.

Quotes of the Day »

President BARACK OBAMA, at NATO talks involving over 50 world leaders, describing the withdrawal of 130,000 combat troops from Afghanistan, planned for the end of 2014
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