The Ghost of Christmas Trees Past & Present
Linus Was Brilliant About Something
Thanks so much for reading Town Character in 2024! I hope it triggered some laughs and spawned some helpful ideas.
In this edition of T.C. I’m pointing you to a few articles I’ve written for for Lancaster Newspapers (LNP). My column is called Side Ways, and it’s even more eclectic than T.C. and meant for a broad, local audience.
I can’t quote from them at length since LNP holds the publishing rights, but you should be able to veiw them for free or set up an account with them easily. Let me know if you have trouble.
As 2024 Lands…
I have one more long shift at Frey’s Greenhouse tomorrow, and then I’m back to my day job of running The Row House, Inc. here in Lancaster. We’re holding a Dickens-of-a-Party tomorrow night at Nooks Book store, so if you’re in the area, drop in. It’ll be magical.
Two years ago I wrote a T.C. column inspired by hustling Christmas trees at Frey’s Greenhouse. It’s all about poor old Linus’s deep, delusional devotion to The Great Pumpkin:
Indeed, Linus was the real blockhead in that after-school TV special. But when it came to Christmas, he was spot on.
In my recent column at LNP was able to redeem the reputation of the little fellow with the security blanket:
Charlie Brown cries out, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Many of us are asking the same question these days with the early onset of holiday songs in the air the day after Halloween.
Linus still has the answer, of course, in the way of a contemplative recognition of ancient ideas and traditions that may or may not include shiny aluminum Christmas trees.
When I was 8 years old, my parents took a risk and purchased 147 acres of land outside of Muncy, Lycoming County. Half of the property was wooded, perfect for hunting or bombing around on Honda three-wheelers (my specialty).
The other half was planted with rows of tiny fir trees…
What’s Next?
Last year I wrote about all things teaberry for LNP, and I jokingly offered to take orders for my chocolate covered wintergreen patties. I got a few emails as a result! So now I’ve got one more small side hustle.
Serioulsy: Let me know how many 1/2 or 1 pound boxes you want for the holidays, and I’ll send some out for a modest price. If you’re local I’ll deliver them on my bike (weather permitting!).
Stay in touch in 2025, and Merry Christmas from Lancaster City, PA!
Tom Becker, Certified Town Character