Dakota Gardener: Norfolk pine — A tropical Christmas tree

Dakota Gardener: Norfolk pine — A tropical Christmas tree

Dakota Gardener: Norfolk pine — A tropical Christmas tree

Dakota Gardener: Norfolk pine — A tropical Christmas tree

Dakota Gardener: Norfolk pine — A tropical Christmas tree

With proper care and occasional repotting, a Norfolk pine will last as a houseplant for many years. (Pexels photo)

With proper care and occasional repotting, a Norfolk pine will last as a houseplant for many years. (Pexels photo)

Despite my best intentions, I am always stressed by this point in the holiday season. As a mom, I feel the societal pressure to transform into Martha Stewart to create the ultimate holiday for my family. The only problem is that I don’t have Martha’s team of assistants to tastefully decorate the house, buy the perfect gifts and bake cookies that taste as delectable as they look.

In the real world, …