The public has a chance to see the trees until Dec. 11, when they are taken away to grace the various institutions to which they were donated by their current owners. An auction took place on Nov. 16, to raise funds for the Gardiner, and most of the purchasers in turn donated the trees to such places as the Hospital for Sick Children, Beatrice House for Early Child Development, Greenwood College and various hospices. The auction raised about $60,000 for the Gardiner.

This season, the designers of the trees stayed generally a little closer to the Christmas theme than they have in past years. There were a few that strayed a little, such as the Christmas by the Sea, in which the traditional ornaments were replaced with starfish, shells and other items collected along the beaches of the Caribbean by designer Katherine Burke. It reminds us, perhaps, that there are many people who celebrate Christmas not in snow, but in sunny climes where the Christmas tree is not a 'natural' occurrence.

Christmas is a time when we are supposed to be full of hope as we observe the most famous birthday of all, that of Jesus Christ. We are to be happy in celebration, surrounded by family and friends, yet not all people are so blessed. Designers Michael House, Barbara McDowell and Karen Jensen had the homeless in mind when they created 'Home(less) for the Holidays', a tree lying on its side, surrounded by stacks of old newspapers, stuffed, ragged shopping bags and other scraps that a homeless person might collect and carry around in a shopping cart. Who has not seen a bag lady doing just that? The three designers asked that ". . . . in the spirit of the season, of good will toward mankind, please remember those less fortunate . . . ." The auctioneer called the tree a piece of conceptual art and managed to coax $6,500 from someone for it. Yet, despite the message, one cannot help feel that whatever institution ends up with this very demanding tree, it carries with it too much despair. But, in the spirit of hope, one wishes it will inspire onlookers to do good to someone in need.

In opposition to the Home(less) tree stands the joyful 'Little Engine that Could' , created by designer Carol McFarlane. Hers is a tree that delights, surely, old and young alike. Train tracks slowly snake up the branches of the tree and at its base is a fine train station. The designer has succeeded in awakening memories of traveling home for Christmas by train, past a tree-studded countryside, past small towns, and over rivers, mountains and through the prairies. Trains come and go, up and down the tracks, train whistles blow, and the romance of train travel has never seemed more inviting. Not surprisingly, it captured the highest bid, $10,000 of the evening, and will find its final home at Sick Kids.

Sagrada La Familia (The Holy Family), designed by Maria Ramirez, Mary Hunter and Marcello Perri, features the Holy Family nested in a tree that is inspired by Spanish artist and architect, Antonia Gaudi's cathedral, the Church of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It is a masterful and highly unusual tree that celebrates the reason for Christmas.

'Snegyruchka' Russia's Holiday Maiden, designed by Lucinda Harp, has a Russian theme with a decorated tree in a troika, pulled by a fanciful white horse. Robert Tanz gives Santa's Elves their day with his tree, Elf Capades, while designers Cally Bowen and Sara Miller presented 'The Night Before Christmas', which featured Santa's sleigh and the reindeer at the top of the tree, and a romantic Victorian house at its base, in which one could sense the family eagerly awaiting his arrival.

Trees with titles like 'Santa's Big Day', 'Traditional Christmas', 'Back Home at the Gardiner', 'Cloaked in Crystal Snow', 'Festive Twinkle', 'Home Delivery', and 'Winter Wonderland' all created images that we associated in one way or another with Christmas. Each one had its own special appeal and certainly offered the attending guests at the gala a backdrop that could not help but inspire them to give, or to think of the days ahead in December.

They were helped further by Jamie Kennedy, the creator of the evening's feast. The famous chef was behind the counter chucking oysters, while his staff brought around trays of finger foods, or prepared sandwiches, and one of the most unusual and mouth-watering minestrones I have ever had the pleasure to consume. And then there were the youngsters, who handed out candy canes. The were the perfect touch to a fine evening at the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Arts. Don't miss the trees while they are still there.