For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for December 19, 2016

you sure Christmas trees shouldn’t be hugged, John?

My mom always bought the most pitiful Christmas tree, so it shouldn’t feel rejected.

Depending on where I was living at the time, I’ve had either live trees or artificial ones – the size normally governed by the size of my living quarters.

There was a time in Arizona where we had a small old ranch house which we shared with two very large dogs ( St. Bernards ) and two cats. Space was limited but we wanted a “live” tree,

We wound up purchasing a potted pine or blue spruce ( I can’t recall which ) that was perfect shape and size to place on a table and decorate.

The great thing about this tree was that we could replant it after the holidays and dig it up again the following year. <P..

We used that little tree for about four Christmases

Eventually, we moved to a larger home and planted the tree where it could grow unrestricted – which it did, surprisingly.

Then just what is she doing, John?

there is a reason they are called pine needles you know

Hugging a spruce is probably less painful than hugging a saguaro…

Sorry not a hug Liz is trying to carry tree.

One of the “Young Wizards” in Diane Duane’s books hugs a Christmas tree… of course the tree in question comes from an alien planet, can walk around and is a wizard in his own right. (He still loves wearing Christmas ornaments though.)

At the web site, it is in b/w.

Hasn’t Elizabeth seemed a bit bratty lately? Eliciting the brotherly wet pooch response last week?

Scotch Pines feel like porcupines.

FWIW, “hugga” or “hugge” In Scandinavian languages means “chop” in English.