Folks, we have...

Counselors: I am going to allow it, but you better be going somewhere with it.

...our Christmas tree! How is that possible? Who knew the Hall not only had a RA comedian in Vaishnav but also a Christmas tree expert in one of its assistant rectors, Kevin Cornwall (above, right)? Surprised, I decided to sit down with Kevin and hear this guru's knowledge on Christmas trees, learning how it guided him in selecting the Hall's Christmas tree this year. Here's what I learned...

St.Ed: How did you become such an expert on Christmas trees? After all, you’re Californian.

Cornwall: People think I'm "crazy for Christmas trees," but the thing is, I never really had a choice--Christmas tree watching is a lifestyle I was born into. Like myself today, my father has been a card-carrying member of the National Christmas Tree Association for over thirty years. His father was as well. When my son, Nicholas Klaus Cornwall, is born, he'll have a membership card waiting for him. It's just part of my family's history. Visit http://www.realchristmastrees.org for information on how you, too, can become a member of the National Christmas Tree association.

St.Ed: Aren’t all Christmas trees the same? They’e all conifers, having cones and needlelike leaves that are evergreen?

Cornwall: Well, there are differing characteristics you can learn more about from the National Christmas Tree Associstion, but each Christmas tree has its own personality, it's own story, that makes finding the right tree for your family extremely important. I mean, by the same logic, you could say former Sacramento Kings point guard Jason Williams was the same as former Sacramento Kings point guard Mike Bibby, given their bald heads and purple wardrobes, but I think everyone knows that although Jason Williams was a human highlight reel, Mike Bibby was a better fit for the Kings. The tree that the staff picked out is the best tree for this particular hall--the Mike Bibby of Christmas trees.

St.Ed: As a Christmas tree salesman, have you ever sold a Christmas tree that you yourself wouldn’t have bought? In short, have you ever sold the proverbial “Charlie Brown” Christmas tree? If so, how did you feel after making the sale?

Cornwall: Call my hometown a bastion for hipsters, but the "meek is chic" attitude can be a blessing, especially when it comes to selling Christmas tree.  You see, when you recognize something is of poor quality but you decide to enjoy it ironically, the thing ceases to be of poor quality--it's like watching Star Wars: Episode 1 in a year that isn't 1999.

St. Ed: Say, I hear that you are in charge of selecting the Hall’s Christmas tree, the tree that will be in the chapel and decorated as donations are made to provide Christmas gifts for a South Bend family of six. What did you end up choosing?

Cornwall: Well, ideally I would have liked for us to have found a Noble Fir. Known for its beauty, the Noble Fir has a long keepability, and its stiff branches make it a good tree for heavy ornaments, as well as providing excellent greenery for wreaths and garland. Unfortunately, Noble Firs are exclusive to Northern California, but we found a closely-related Fraser Fir which will be almost as good. Find your own favorite tree type when you become a member of the National Christmas Tree Association today!

St.Ed: What’s something that everyone needs to know BEFORE they go Christmas tree shopping?

Cornwall: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately one tenth of one percent (0.12%) of residential fires involve a Christmas Tree -- both real and artificial. Luckily for us, the National Christmas Tree Association has provided safety tips that will help keep us ho-ho-hoing through the holidays. Read more at http://www.realchristmastrees.org/dnn/AllAboutTrees/CareTips.aspx