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One of my favorite books as an adult is the children’s book “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. At a time of year when many fir and pine trees are cut for holiday decoration, I think of all the things trees provide:

• a place for birds, squirrels, and other animals to nest;
• fruits and nuts;
• shade from the sun;
• materials for buildings and furniture;
• syrup;
• paper, cardboard.

The list goes on. But what does that have to do with December, you ask?

As I shared last year, older adults have often shared their interest in singing songs other than Christmas ones in December. The following list is one you can use for a sing-along or name that tune to take a break from holiday music this month. You can also use this list on Arbor Day.

Here are the tree songs:

• Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree
• O Christmas Tree
• Lemon Tree
• Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree
• Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
• I Talk to the Trees
• Trail of the Lonesome Pine

Here are some songs that mention trees but not in the title:

• Rattlin’ Bog
• Oh Jolly Playmate
• Autumn Leaves
• I’ll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time
• California Dreaming

What songs would you add to these lists? Please share them in the comments below.