Use a Ball-Root Christmas Tree

Make Christmas last a lot longer than most of the gifts will. Use a ball-root tree this year and you can watch it grow for decades to come ... instead of having to toss away a dead tree after January 1. Get your ball-root tree from your favorite garden-supply center and place the root ball in a festively festooned bucket or other water-containing device, then decorate it as you would any indoor tree. Once Santa has made his exit, you can plant the ball-root tree outdoors. Here are three key tips:

• Make sure to dig a hole for the tree before the ground freezes.
• Only leave it up in the house a couple weeks, max, and water it daily.
• When planted, spread mulch around the tree to protect its roots from cold.