1. Avoid landfills by recycling or repurposing your Christmas tree after the holidays. Its fragrant needles are excellent in potpourris and the branches serve as ornamental cover and winter protection for your garden. Many communities have collection and recycling programs. Fish biologists also take old Christmas trees and sink them in ponds to create fish habitats.

   2. Begin to monitor houseplants for pests and diseases. Take care of problems early and be careful not to overwater.

   3. December has the shortest days of the year for those of us in the northern hemisphere. To enjoy this month's natural beauty, rise early and take pre-work walks in the bright sun instead of cold evening walks under the Yule moon.