"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the five things in the comments section.

1. Christmas trees will be collected for composting from January 2-13. Please remove all ornaments, decorations, and stands from trees and place trees at the curb by 7 a.m. on recycling day. Do NOT put trees in plastic bags.
   
2. Due to Monday being a holiday, recycling and trash day will be moved back one day.
   
3. Check out all the family fun and events for Boston First Night. Get your button now to enjoy activities like dancing, arts and crafts and more. 
4. Get off to a running start on New Year's Day with the Jon Connor Resolution Run starting at the West Roxbury YMCA at 9:30 a.m. The run is sponsored and free due to the Parkway Running Club.  
5. Dec. 31 is the last day to qualify for the Renew Boston program for your no-cost building energy assessments and upgrades to qualifying Boston residents.