The Slice: How about a nice pat on the trunk?

Every family with a real Christmas tree should have a little ceremony before hauling it out of the home to meet its fate.

It doesn’t have to be elaborate. But someone should say a few words of thanks.

Yes, I know the tree is dead. Yes, I know it can’t actually hear.

But sometimes symbols deserve to be treated with respect.

“Old business: The question about memories of snowy Christmases produced a flurry of answers.

Readers told about dealing with dramatic winter weather in 1936, 1949, 1964 and 1968, among other years. (Picture lots of the white stuff.)

Not all the recollections were connected to Spokane. For instance, Lynn Aus remembered 1948 in Minot, N.D.

And Pat Sibley told about a series of blizzards in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains in 2004.

Before we change the subject, though, I want to acknowledge that some who do not share my enthusiasm for Christmas snow have pretty good reasons.

“There is always an alternative point of view,” wrote Russ Stippel.

He uses a wheelchair. For him, snow is a royal pain.

“Here’s a report from one of my Snowbird readers: Drivers in Yuma, Ariz., run more yellow and red lights than drivers in Spokane, wrote Gary Polser.

“Second opinion: My friend Jeri Hershberger found my short list of favorite Three Dog Night songs somewhat lacking. She cast her votes for “Eli’s Coming” and “Celebrate.”

“Key difference between “Antiques Roadshow” and the Orange County Choppers: “Tattoos,” said Jeff Guilford and several other Slice readers.

They speculated that there will be fewer in evidence during the “Roadshow” visit.

That’s probably a safe bet. Of course, if the appraisers show up in sleeveless undershirts we all might be in for a surprise.

“Slice answer: “Not only does the Hunters library have the best atmosphere, it is probably the smallest Inland Northwest library and is also the library that is open the fewest hours,” wrote Julie Toulouse.

She called it “A gem on the Columbia River.”

“The Slice’s person of the year: “There were so many splendid choices this year: A wide range of baby killers, drug lords, drunk drivers and sexual predators,” wrote Tom Frisque. “I guess I’ll vote for your marmot. (See last Friday’s Slice.) YOU can pet him, I’ll just watch from a safe distance. And don’t forget to call first.”

“Warm-up question: Do others worry about the Christmas tip for their newspaper carrier getting stolen?

“Today’s Slice question: Who is the Inland Northwest’s worst bowler?