A custom being observed by some people in the United States is decorating an outdoor tree with edible ornaments in honor of birds and beasts of the Nativity. The tree does not have to be an evergreen as long as its branches are strong enough to hold the food and is located close enough to a window for good viewing when the birds arrive. You can use a variety of foods to decorate this tree: popcorn, stale bread, raw peanuts in the shell, marshmallows, suet, raisins, and fruit, both dried and fresh. String some of the foos to make garlands, using a large needle and string. Pinecones dipped in melted suet are also a welcome treat.