Poet Tree  is the title of a book I wrote a few years ago.  It is a collection of stories and poems that celebrate trees and explore human nature.  In this book, I explain the meaning of my name.  Ilan Shamir, literally translated, means protector of the trees.  I am feeling a bit protective at this time of year and thought I would share a Christmas Tree perspective with you.

I was reading an article in the paper the other day outlining the pros and cons of fresh cut and artificial Christmas trees.  The article offered consumers information to help them decide which option was actually best for the planet.  Being the protector of the trees, I just could not help but shake my head and wonder why a third option was not even being considered.  I have my own ideas for celebrating the holidays in the greenest ways possible.  What if your family actually selected a live tree from the nursery to decorate and enjoy this holiday season?  Your local nursery can offer tips and ideas for keeping the tree happy and safe inside the home before taking it to its rightful place outside after the holidays.  Live Christmas trees fill the home with a natural pine scent and leave literally no negative trace on the environment.  In fact, planting trees actually helps the planet.  You could create a sweet little celebration of the planting of your holiday pine tree and bring evergreen joy to the world.  Speaking of trees, this just seems like a nature inspired idea you can fully embrace with your true nature.