Be sure to check your trees
Homeowners Warned Of Small Brown Masses That Could Actually Be A Sack Of Insect Eggs
This is not a pine cone!
Source: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/christmas-tree-small-brown-clumps/
@duglop Cut them off, overwinter them outside, and release the nymphs into your garden. Presto ... pest management at work.