Oh, sure, Christmas is grand, and I know it has many, many fans. I'm not knocking Christmas, but The Thanksgiving story is more important. And Easter has its fans, too. Rebirth is a wonderful thing, but I still say Thanksgiving is more important. Yes, kids jump for joy at thought of Halloween. I am sure they enjoy costumes almost as much as overdose on sugar and chocolate, but Thanksgiving story is even more important.

Why?

Because two most important words in English language are "Thank You". This is true for business success, for social pleasure, even for self-actualization.

For business success, a thank you tells a prospect or partner that you are appreciative of what she has just done. It shows you have a genuine interest in that person and business relationship.

For social interaction, expressing gratitude is equally important to show how you value other person and social relationship you have with him. Thank you is a bonding phrase.

But thanksgiving is most important on a personal level for our own happiness. This is true for anybody who has ever lived, but it is even more true for us today.

Consider how much we have. More than any of our ancestors, we live in Land of Plenty. We have more than anybody who lived at any time before. And for those of us who live in developed world, we have more than most people on our little planet even today.

I'm not just talking about our abundance of "stuff". Oh sure, we have ten-foot tall digital color televisions with 594,798,345,691 channels and computers that send us around world faster than speed of a race car on growth hormones. And we have 31 flavors of ice cream waiting for us on every second street corner. And we throw out more "junk" than we ever could find a use for in first place. But we have so much more than just stuff. Consider following:

FREEDOM: More of world lives in a democracy than ever before, and democracy is becoming more open or "democratic" with every year (perhaps in part due to Internet).

OPPORTUNITIES: With freedom and affluence comes opportunity. We have more opportunity to make more money, to earn it way we wish, to choose our profession, our location, even our lifestyle. Women have just about reached equality with men in most of developed world, and more people are able to flee oppressive regimes. Actually, does that not sound like a continuation of original Thanksgiving story?

First, congratulations.

As someone who is considering an alternative to 'cut' Christmas Tree, I salute you for having a mind that is open to creative possibilities! Here are Ten Alternatives to Cut Christmas Trees, with some direct links to for each option whenever possible. I hope you enjoy creating a new tradition and welcome you to special group of folks choosing against a cut tree.

1. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, try a living tree, in a pot.

A living tree isn't thrown out after Christmas, and can continue to oxygenate your surroundings making your air quality better. If you choose to plant your living tree outdoors in your yard or garden after Christmas, you've now added value to your property and beautified your surroundings. More on how planting a live tree helps planet at this link: http://www.joytotheplanet.com/3/default.html Your local garden store or nursery is a good first try for locating a living Christmas tree in a pot. Or, try these links for more possibilities. http://www.davisfarms.com/products/index.cgi http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_trees_shrubs/article/0,,HGTV_3643_1383646,00.html

2. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, try designating an existing outdoor tree as your Christmas tree.

Perhaps you have a lovely tall evergreen in your front or back yard. Choose one and give it some energy efficient lights set to a timer, and let your Christmas tree shine in to your living room. Your hardier ornaments and even popcorn garland also work nicely outdoors...and attract birds too.

3. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, try an inflatable Christmas tree.

Inflatable trees are reusable and a treat to put away after Christmas, since they collapse into size of a small bag once air is released. With potential for many decades of use, inflatable tree can be used indoors and out, and inflates with a simple pump. No watering, and kids love these! Inflatable tree options are increasing, so check with your local Christmas store for details. Otherwise, these links may prove useful: http://www.brandsonsale.com/inchristre.html http://store.yahoo.com/gsdotcom/christre60.html

4. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, make your own tree.

Making your own Christmas tree can become a great tradition especially if you get whole family in on fun. What recycled material will you use this year? When you succeed in building an especially great tree, you can keep it and reuse.

The only rule here is: use your imagination. How about a beautiful clear tree made from used water bottles, or a wooden tree from scrap lumber? Empty egg cartons, old computer parts, any kind of "junk" in your blue recycling bin can be made into a cool and unique "tree." Talk about your true meaning of Christmas!

5. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, use a Christmas tree wall hanging.

Christmas tree wall hangings are a new, and awesome alternative to cut trees. Simple to hang and ultra slick to store, these are works of art that can even sometimes be lit. Have a look at sample photo and click link to find only source - so far - that I know of. If anyone else knows of another supplier, be sure to write me!

http://amos.catalogcity.com/cc.class/cc?a=a&pcd=4402705&prd=6408407&ccsyn=117

This is another super choice if your Christmas involves kids.

And oh yes, there's always option of making your own Christmas tree wall hanging, if you're handy with a needle. Try this link to a pattern and some advice...

http://www.edmontonsewing.com/pr_countdown.html

The tree shown at http://www.joytotheplanet.com/images/kid.jpg is small and perfect for small spaces. A full size tree is also possible by altering dimensions of pattern.