LINCOLN SQUARE — Once the tryptophan-induced food coma wears off, the next order of holiday business for a lot of people will be procuring a Christmas tree.
Some will simply haul their plastic model out of storage and set the mood with pine-scented candles. Others will go all Clark Griswold and head to the country to chop down their own fir.
A happy medium: choosing a fresh cut tree from one of the neighborhood's lots. (And if that means Home Depot, no judgment. Those budget-friendly price points are tough to pass up.)
Here's a list of tree lots in and around Lincoln Square, some open every day, others just a one-day fundraiser. If we missed a lot, let us know and we'll add it.
• The Daily Bar and Grill, outdoor patio, 4560 N. Lincoln Ave.
• 2108 W. Lawrence Ave.
• Farmers Market Garden Center, 4110 N. Elston Ave.
• St. Matthias, 4901 N. Western Ave.: This is one of the Catholic school's biggest fundraisers: Selling trees, roping and wreaths. Hours are 6-9 p.m. weeknights; 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday. Kicks off Friday.
• Queen of Angels, Sunnyside and Western, fundraiser: Selling trees, roping and wreaths. Hours are 6-9 p.m. weeknights, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. on weekends. Sales begin Thanksgiving weekend and continue while supplies last.
• Dec. 4-6 only, St. Viator Winterfest, 4140 W. Addison St., fundraiser: Tree and wreath sales. Outdoor skating rink, craft fair, cafe, hot cocoa and cocktails. Hours are 4-10 p.m., Dec. 4; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Dec. 5; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Dec. 6.
• Dec. 6 only, St. Edward School, 4447 N. Lowell Ave., fundraiser: Frasier firs, garland and other holiday decorations. Hours are 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Pro tips:
Trees often cost a minimum of $10 per foot, and many lots only accept cash. So before you go, hit up an ATM.
To check a tree's freshness, look for sap — it's a good sign. Another quick test is to bend the tip of a tree branch. If it snaps off, the tree's a dud. If it rebounds into place, you've got a winner. Then keep the tree well watered once you get it home.
We'll share info on the city's tree recycling program in the new year.
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