A plethora of makeshift Christmas tree shops have sprung up around town. Box stores:  Food Lion & Lowes. Local concern: farmer's markets and churches. North Carolina farm tents: Cranberry Farms. Some prefer the freshest tree or the best price. Others like to support the state farms. But while on your pine tree pursuit consider Holiday Trees by TROSA (Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers). The local organization offers those on the path to sobriety a boost to rebuild their lives through vocational training, education, and job opportunities like those who work the TROSA pop-up tree shops throughout town. They are happy to drag out and unfurl tree after tree until you find the right one. Or take pictures of your brood posing against the tree-topped sedan with the 8-foot beauty you hope will not tumble off on the ride home.

(photograph taken at Rams Plaza in Chapel Hill)