LADYBUT SAYS: THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR REAL CHRISTMAS TREE

Many people feel there is no substitute for the "real" Christmas tree. Only a natural evergreen, with its crisp winter smell and deep green color can bring recollections of Christmas past, enrich Christmas presents, and create memories for Christmas future.

Every year, fresh trees occupy the center of Yuletide celebration in 30 million American homes. No child or adult, young or old should miss the cherished tradition of selecting, decorating and admiring a real Christmas tree.

According to the American Association of Nurserymen, historians trace the tradition back to ancient times. In late December Egyptians put palm branches inside their homes as symbols of growing things.

Celebrating Saturnalia, Romans decorated their trees and placed an image of their sun god on top. To celebrate the winter solstice, Druid sorcerers hung golden apples and lit candles on oak trees. During the Middle Ages, people celebrated the feast of Adam and Eve on Dec. 24, using what they called the "Paradise Tree" for its symbol, a fir tree hung with red apples.

The use of the tree as a Christmas custom began in 16th Century Germany, and by the 19th Century it had spread to Northern Europe. Hessian mercenaries introduced it to the United States during our Revolutionary War.

The custom spread, and in 1804, soldiers at Fort Dearborn now known as the city of Chicago dragged trees into their barracks for Christmas celebrations. Twenty-one years later a Christmas feature in a Philadelphia paper described the festively adorned trees in the homes of German immigrants.

Over the next two decades tree trimming became more well known. A German named Charles Minnigerode introduced it to Williamsburg, VA, in 1842 by drawing attention to his own tree, which the press described as "splendidly decorated" with strings of popcorn, gilded nets and lighted candles.

Nine years later Pennsylvania native Mark Carr set up the first documented Christmas tree sales lot. He moved two ox sleds full of trees from his production site in the Catskills to New York City streets.

At that time British royalty adopted the tradition when Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, brought the first Christmas tree into the palace. Across the Atlantic, President Franklin Pierce introduced the Christmas tree into the White House.

Later in 1923, President Calvin Coolidge started an annual holiday observance that has endured with warmth and fondness The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the White House lawn.

The American Association of Nurserymen also offer some suggestions on selection and care of a fresh Christmas tree.

Look for fresh trees that have a strong, crisp fragrance and bright green color.

Test for freshness by gently bending one of the trees needles between your thumb and forefinger. If the tree is fresh, its needle will bend, not break.

Further test needle resilience by grasping the branch approximately six inches from the point where it joins the trunk and pulling your hand along the branch. If fresh, the needles will stay intact and not fall off in your hand.

Next, hold the tree up just a few inches and rap it on the ground. If it sheds an abundant number of green needles from the outer part of its branches, chances are it is not fresh. Inside needles turn brown and fall naturally every autumn. This condition is normal and does not indicate that the tree is old or dry.

When you bring the tree home, store it outdoors away from the sun and wind so it will maintain its moisture. An unheated porch, garage or patio is a good location.

If you purchase a tree a week or more before decorating it, be sure to keep the trunk in water.

First open the stem of the tree to enable it to draw water. Do so by cutting across the trunk approximately one inch above the original cut. As soon as you cut, immerse the newly opened trunk into fresh water. During the first 24 hours after it has been cut, a tree will absorb one gallon of water.

Sufficient water helps the tree keep its moisture, needles and fragrance. Check the tree stand's water supply daily. The tree may use two pints to one gallon of fresh water each day.

Put your tree to use after the holiday season. Chop the branches for garden mulch (they are excellent for covering chrysanthemums and other perennials), cut the trunk for fireplace wood, and use the branch tips and needles for fresh scented sachets. Or, place the whole tree outside for shelter for the birds during the winter.

A timeless symbol in our culture, the fresh Christmas tree draws us with its engaging scent and beauty, but even more so with its message of good will and peace.