And by the end of the race, there was pretty much nothing left of the caravans. Some other cars were still towing a metal trailer and the track was just covered in splintered wood. And it’s that scene of destruction that is my enduring memory of Christmas in the countryside. Crisp snow, bitter cold and smashed caravans.

Some jurisdictions in Central Texas offer free Christmas tree recycling. In order to recycle, all trees must be natural, free of flocking or artificial snow and all ornamentation must be removed. AUSTIN,