How tough is our life here in B.C. when a top news story is that there may be a shortage of Christmas trees and we may not have the selection we are used to having? Many major stores are projecting a lower inventory of pre-cut trees coming up from the States.

The problem south of the border has been attributed to a delayed result of the recession that began in 2007. There were fewer sales, less harvesting and, as a result, U.S. growers planted fewer new trees. Boy, have we got it bad!

The Christmas tree is the focal point of the Christmas decorations in most homes. Some years, we grumble and say they are dirty or take up too much room and we鈥檙e not putting one up. Maybe the kids are gone and we鈥檝e downsized and why bother with a tree?

But it doesn鈥檛 matter if it鈥檚 a nine-foot evergreen or a four-foot pink aluminum tree, once the lights come on, even the toughest Grinch softens and the tree becomes a beacon that welcomes friends and family from afar.

Besides, you have to have somewhere to put the presents. At least that鈥檚 what McGregor says.

The Christmas Guest

We went out to the tree lot

A little late this year;

The lady said 鈥渢here鈥檚 not much left;

Just these few fellas here.鈥�

I saw one with a name tag

And said 鈥淭hat one is ours for sure!鈥�

Walked up and introduced myself

To Mr. Douglas Fir.

We brought Douglas home with us

Found a corner he looked best;

We shook his limbs, he got a drink

Just like any other guest.

I鈥檝e had lots of Christmas trees

But they鈥檝e never had a name

But when you know them personally,

They just don鈥檛 seem the same.

I was careful with the tree stand

Asking 鈥淚 hope that doesn鈥檛 hurt?鈥�

And just a little bit concerned

About how much he likes his skirt.

Douglas stood up straight and tall

While we put on the lights

Now he鈥檚 the first to say 鈥楪ood morning!鈥�

And the last to say 鈥淕oodnight!鈥�

It鈥檚 nice to have a friend like Douglas

Who doesn鈥檛 need a bed,

And doesn鈥檛 just show up at Christmas

To get presents and be fed.

On Christmas Eve, when all is quiet

I sit enveloped in his light

And give thanks for all my blessings

On this peaceful silent night.

So give your Christmas tree a name

He鈥檒l feel special, you will see;

And he鈥檚 probably more welcome there

Than most your family tree!