December Almanac
Snow or No Snow, That Is The Question
By Clinton S. Powell, Naturalist

Perhaps the most important question about winter and specifically Christmas day is: will snow arrive and allow us to enjoy a seldom- experienced activity in Southern California?

My daily records show a very slim forecast for a white Christmas. Some years, 14 inches to 16 inches of beautiful, fluffy snow will greet us. But most Christmas days have been cool, windy or the typical warm, sunny day. This is the wonder of weather: you never know what will occur.

The more important consideration is the expectation and hope that snow will fall is eternal in everyone, especially children. For the past 25 years, a veneer of snow has occurred on 12 Christmas days. When I say a veneer, this denotes that the ground is covered in a shallow layer of snow.

Skies, toboggans and any snow-related equipment will basically remain in the house. However, our mountains will at least provide a winter walk that truly feels like winter. Socially, this is one of the most important events in many people's lives and the mere thought of walking through snow is what makes Julian one of the primary locations for a family gathering. Who wants to sit around a plastic Christmas tree in Yuma?

Many people ask what are the best trees to buy for Christmas. The answer is: wonderfully fragrant balsam fir, noble fir and many species of spruce. The conifers that best represent Julian as the proper Christmas tree is white fir and incense cedar.

And, should you buy a live tree, or a cut tree? Here again, the choice is up to the individual. On private property on many of our mountains, both white fir and incense cedar are cut each year and are always high in demand and hard to find.

Many people consider cutting a tree a crime. However, by walking through the forests, I've seen firs and cedars that were cut four or five times, and still retain their regal elegance. This is a simple principle: always leave one horizontal branch below where you cut the tree.

Here, one of nature's miracles occurs. In one year, a horizontal branch will gradually, but very rapidly rise to the vertical point of the zenith. I do not know of a more educating example of the tenacity of life than watching a horizontal branch become vertical. If you are fortunate and live near such a tree, take the time to observe it. No staking is required, as the tree knows the natural balance of life.

The next question is the one I really get grilled on: How long can I keep a living, potted tree in the house? My basic answer is between six hours and one day.

Why? This tree is living and cannot survive sitting under a roof. Where is the zenith, the fresh air and the cold temperatures? A Christmas tree will not show any damage initially to being in the house, but when it is planted outside, the adverse effects of indoor living quickly appear.

Needles drop, limbs turn brown; the tree was loved to death in a habitat that it never would survive. Exceptions do exist, but most will not live once planted outside. I realize this is a cold statement, but the trees speak for themselves. If you must, bring the tree in on Christmas Eve, then plant it on Christmas day.

As a prime example, observe the Julian Christmas tree by the History Museum. This native incense cedar is between 80 and 140 years old and will continue to grow and we will continue to celebrate the life of this tree because it is alive and radiant with the vitality of all of our native trees.

Christmas season in Julian is always special. Here in the mountains is where the true spirit and joy of celebration is best enjoyed. And if it snows, consider it a blessing, a sight that will remain in your life forever.