>> Boiled custard magic: When Garden & Gun published a story about boiled custard, a milk-and-egg-based drink made for generations in southern Appalachia and beyond, many readers had never heard of the old-fashioned holiday staple. For others, the story sparked warm childhood memories. And for others still, it continues to be a living tradition made in their homes each year. Read about the delicious regional treat, and get a recipe.

>> Standing up for bats: When darkness falls at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina, nine species of bats begin to dart through forest corridors. One of those species, the northern long-eared bat, which has suffered steep declines from white-nose syndrome, has only recently been documented on the Carolina coast, where they live very differently than in the caves they call home up north. “Because of these different conditions, they have a chance here,” says Lydia Moore, Palmetto Bluff Conservancy’s bat biologist. Learn more about these mysterious creatures and efforts to conserve them.

>> Lighting the way: Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights has been a presence in New Orleans’s French Quarter for more than seventy years. Founded in 1945, the company is best known for its signature copper lanterns, which line the city’s avenues to this day. Beyond storied streets, however, Bevolo also offers an array of indoor and outdoor lights for residential and commercial use. Crafted by a team of Louisiana artisans, each Bevolo lantern comes with a lifetime guarantee, as well as a bevy of options for customization. And while beauty and functionality are inherent, the greatest appeal of Bevolo lights is their timeless quality. With sustainable materials, time-honored designs, and copper that becomes even more beautiful as it ages, each installation continues a legacy of Southern craft. Take advantage of Bevolo’s complimentary design services and learn more at bevolo.com.

We recently asked, “Artificial tree or real tree, and why?” Some of your responses:

Real. You can’t fake that smell. —Jim D.

A real tree is a ritual event: riding to the lot, walking around to find the right tree, watching it go through the net. Then tying it to the roof and hoping to get home before it tumbles off. Getting it perfectly centered in the holder with the best side facing the room. (Maybe a little arguing with the spouse.) Oh, and then the smell. Can’t be beat. —Ann W.

My grandmother’s aluminum Christmas tree is still going strong, with my three-year-old grandson hanging the ornaments on it this year. A classic! —Marcia W.

We had a live tree once. After Christmas we planted it in the backyard, and it lived twenty-nine years. But finding one was tough this year, and the thought of killing a healthy tree? Artificial it is!  —Kelley B.

Both. We put up a faux tree in November and decorate it with everything but the kitchen sink. Then sometime in December, we buy a smallish real tree and just use white lights. I can’t give up the personality and the wintry smell of a live tree. —Donna G.

We have a ficus tree that we decorated for years. The kids loved showing it to their friends. —Louis G.

Artificial and pre-lit. It makes life easier—no watering, no mess. Just hang the ornaments and plug it in! —Debbie M.

Both. The main tree, the one the family gathers around for presents, has to be real. However, each room gets a tree, and those are fake. —Jacquelyn P.

Ever since my parents, one year, bought an aluminum tree and my mom sprayed Pine Sol to “have the real tree smell,” I can’t do anything but real. —Richard B.

“What’s the most memorable holiday present you received as a kid?”