Before you put the tree out on the curb...

Here's a beautiful idea for recycling your Christmas tree. Instead of putting it on the curb for the tip, or tossing it onto the compost pile, consider stripping the branches and fashioning a cross from the trunk. You can lash the arms of the cross onto the upright with ropes. Display the cross on your door (if it's sturdy enough) or somewhere else in the front yard during Lent. On Easter Vigil, you'll need some wet floral foam, chicken wire, and staples. Apply the foam to the cross by covering in chicken wire and stapling to secure. Easter morning, the cross can be decorated with fresh flowers (children love doing this job - it's very satisfying to stick stems into floral foam!). The flowers will keep for a week or so. Just keep the foam moist with a small watering can.

What a wonderful way to symbolize the full circle from birth to ressurection!