Unwanted and discarded

Around the beginning of January, we begin to see this rather forlorn sight (I always think) around the streets.  Little (and some big) Christmas trees, once loved and the centre of the Christmas cheer, that have outlived their usefulness, and been flung out onto the street, lying in the gutter - deserted, alone and unwanted.  (Excuse the drama).  

In reality, it's merely how the Dutch (or at least those in the areas around here) get shot of their Christmas tree and, if you think about it, it's quite practical.  Once you've packed the decorations away, you drag the tree out to the street and leave it there (sometimes for several days) until it's picked up by the council (hence the sight of trees lying forlornly in the gutter).  I do think the trees look rather pitiful but I shouldn't go on about it too much - we chucked ours out that way too!  (And saved the car from a lot of pine needle mess.  Great!)