WotD: Alberta spruce

1. die Weiß-Fichte
2. de witte spar
3. la pícea blanca
4. la picea blanca
5. l'épinette blanche
6. y befrwydden wen, y sbriwsen wen
7. an sprús bán
8. świerk biały
9. 가문비나무
10. vitgranen

Notes: I would say we've put our tree up today except it was never down. That is, it's a live tree in a pot, a dwarf Alberta spruce which we brought home from Gethsemane yesterday. monshu has hopes we might be able to plant it in the yard outside, but I'm dubious. Even if the spot in question weren't cursed (I'll be amazed if we see anything of our ninebark next year), I'm not convinced we have a specimen which will survive much beyond Twelfth Night, given that it's already dropping needles. In any case, the fairy lights are on and trimming will begin presently. The GWO has a standing rib roast (his Christmas tradition) in the oven, to be joined by scalloped potatoes and brussels sprouts. For dessert, gingerbread, zabaglione, and poached pears. He's just started the Weihnachtsoratorium (before that we were listening to Pärt's Magnificat antiphons) and

I've been concerned lately that I'm not really prepared for Christmas. What effort I've made has been focused on the material aspects, so when it comes to gifts I've got the bases covered, but no more than that. When all's said and done, of course, the success of the holiday is not dependent on whether you've procured this Christmas cookie or that fuzzy sweater. If I can't be loving, respectful, and kind toward all those I love, it might as well be Columbus Day.