Whether you're clomping through the woods to chop down a tree or buying from a lot, you'll probably be trimming the trunk to even up the bottom or shave some height off the tree. Make use of your trimmings around the house:

Turn your yearly tree stumps into a series of family keepsakes. Clean debris off the surface and help the kids write the year and their initials in Elmer's glue. Then sprinkle with glitter, let it dry and shake off the excess. Or simply use glitter glue from the craft store. Line up the stumps under the tree or on a mantel each year.

Scatter trimmed branches around a creche for atmosphere (just make sure they are away from the fireplace).

Use trimmed branches tied in a bunch secured with floral wire and a big red bow on outdoor fence posts, porch railings, curbside mailboxes or front doors.

Use floral wire and small branches to make wreaths around pillar candles, but remove before lighting candles.

Tuck a tiny sprig into each napkin ring at the holiday table.

Use branches tied to birdfeed blocks along fencing at the back of your property for wildlife treats.

Make pine needle sachet pillows to tuck away in glove and mitten drawers for the scent of Christmas all year long.

- Joy Kraft