Author Missy Votel hauls her freshly cut Christmas tree out of the woods. It s that time of year again.
Lush greenery fills vacant lots and the smell of pine wafts from supermarket sidewalks.
Christmas tree contestants are lined up for the taking with little more than a point of the finger and the exchange of a few bills. Living in the mountains of Colorado, there are ample prospects. Trudging deep into the forest in search of a tree to call one s own if not a time-honored family tradition is an endeavor worth considering at least once. For starters, a permit is required for all tree cutting. The permit entitles the holder to one tree of up to 20 feet in height.