Look for an Evergreen Day

Look for an Evergreen Day, is observed annually on December 19. This nature-centric holiday invites people to step away from the commercial bustle of the season and appreciate the quiet, enduring beauty of coniferous trees. It is a day to admire the pines, spruces, and firs not just as holiday decorations, but as resilient symbols of life that thrive even in the harshest winter conditions.

History of Look for an Evergreen Day

The holiday was established by the National Arborist Association, an organization now known as the Tree Care Industry Association. The founders created the day to encourage the public to look beyond the glitter and lights of the Christmas tree and recognize the natural splendor of evergreens in the wild. Their goal was to foster a deeper appreciation for arboriculture and the vital role these trees play in our ecosystem, especially during months when most other vegetation is dormant and bare.

The timing of the observance is intentional, placed just days before the winter solstice. Historically, ancient cultures—including the Druids, Romans, and Vikings—revered evergreen boughs as symbols of eternal life and protection against the darkness of winter. By placing this modern observance on December 19, the founders linked the contemporary act of tree identification with centuries of human fascination regarding plants that refuse to lose their color, bridging the gap between scientific appreciation and seasonal folklore.

Why is Look for an Evergreen Day important?

This day serves as a grounding reminder of nature’s resilience. While deciduous trees shed their leaves to conserve energy, evergreens maintain their foliage, providing shelter for wildlife and color to the landscape throughout the freezing months. Observing this day encourages a moment of mindfulness, helping people connect with the stability and permanence of the natural world during a season often characterized by stress and rapid change.

Furthermore, the holiday promotes environmental literacy. Many people can recognize a “Christmas tree” generally but may not know the difference between a Douglas fir, a Blue spruce, or a White pine. Look for an Evergreen Day sparks curiosity about local flora, encouraging individuals to learn about the specific species native to their region. It highlights the importance of biodiversity and the ecological services these trees provide, such as windbreaks and soil stability.

• It encourages outdoor activity during the cold season.
• It teaches the difference between various coniferous species.
• It reminds us of nature’s ability to survive harsh conditions.
• It offers a peaceful break from holiday shopping and planning.
• It highlights the ecological importance of winter vegetation.

How to Celebrate Look for an Evergreen Day

The most authentic way to celebrate is to bundle up and take a walk in a local park, forest, or arboretum. Bring a field guide or use a plant identification app to determine exactly what kinds of evergreens grow in your neighborhood. Pay attention to the texture of the needles, the shape of the cones, and the scent of the bark. If you live in an urban area, simply noticing the landscaping around buildings can reveal a surprising variety of yews, junipers, and cedars that you might usually walk past without a second glance.

For those who prefer to stay indoors, you can celebrate by learning about the folklore or biology of these trees. Read about the history of the Yule log or why specific cultures believed evergreens had protective powers. If you have not yet purchased a holiday tree, this is traditionally considered the perfect date to select one, ensuring it remains fresh through the New Year. You might also consider planting a small evergreen shrub in your garden or a pot, contributing to the greenery of your own environment.

• Take a winter nature walk to identify local trees.
• Visit a botanical garden or arboretum.
• Read a book about the biology of coniferous forests.
• Sketch or photograph the different needle patterns you find.
• Purchase or plant a small evergreen for your home.

Look for an Evergreen Day Dates Table