To be sure the Christmas tree stand serves its purpose for only a very short time in the year, but I think we will all agree that during that brief period, it is very necessary to have—that is if you enter into the Christmas spirit, which is always so important to children.

Make this simple project out of any scraps of wood you find around that are about 13/4" thick and 21/4" wide and 18" long. Besides you will need four pieces 1/2"x11/4"x15".

Take the two pieces for the main part of the stand and make a joint in the center, by cutting away half of the thickness of the wood on each piece, just the width of the wood; this is known as a cross lap joint. Glue small blocks on the bottom to form the four feet. Make these pieces 3/8"x21/4"x21/4" in size.

Fasten the four braces to the main part of the stand with round head screws 11/4" long. The other end of the braces is fastened to the tree when you set the tree in place.

Stain this stand a moss green color, to be in keeping with the tree. To fasten the stand to the tree, first see that the tree is cut off square at the bottom. Now measure the height of your ceiling and cut off enough of the top, if necessary, so that the tree will not touch the ceiling. Run a 3}£" screw through the center of the stand and into the tree; then fasten the four braces to the tree with 11/4" round head screws. Be sure that the tree stands erect; for this reason it will be well not to fasten these braces in place until the tree has been put in a vertical position. For small trees, make the stand about 12" long.