Last night I saw a Subaru traveling down Northside Drive in Atlanta with a full array of blinking Christmas lights entwined in the roof rack. And I suspect I’ll be seeing plenty of Christmas trees tied to the roofs of cars and SUVs. But it wasn’t always so. Before daily car use became a requirement of full citizenship in most parts of the country, folks had to figure out other means for transporting Christmas trees and other bulky items. Some were simple, as illustrated in the 1951 greeting card illustration on the right, posted on Filckr by illtakeyourphoto!
I used to do this as well — before I started buying artificial trees. Of course, having a little VW bug made bringing a tree home a little problematic. Have a Happy Holiday!
Christmas trees, live or fresh-cut, are an emotional and permanent part of sensory memory banks for many of us. (the smell, the sap, the glittering ornaments & colorful lights). I, personally, feel similar connections to many variety of trees. Even without being cut down they give textural and architectural interest, welcome shade in three seasons, a natural wind chime of sorts… plus they provide food and shelter for a myriad of birds and other creatures. I wish everyone felt as linked to all kinds of trees. Usually once a year Wilderness Southeast offers a “tree tales” program so folks can learn about native trees and their wildlife adaptations.
Back to December. Do you suppose we’ll live to see folks transporting Christmas trees home in hybrid streetcars, do you? Bicycle trailers?