Okay, I ordered trees from arbor day back in october. I just got them. But what am I supposed to do with them? I live in New York. The ground is likely to be frozen solid for a bit longer.

What do I do with my trees?

(they're saplings)

refrigerator?

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I suffer from the same sensitivity that you do. A few nuggets of wisdom were shared with me and I'm "trying" to incorporate them into my life. First, remember that nobody can hurt your feelings unless you let them. You can always reject what is being forced on you emotionally.
Second, nothing changes unless you change it. If you don't want the behavior to be repeated then you need to take action. Otherwise the kid has learned that his behavior is the way to get things done, because everyone lets him get away with it.
In the meantime I sympathize because I've been there.
-beerman

Leave them in a cool dark place. Basement? Don't worry, their most likely dormant now.

Sounds cold! Cut them up and use them as kindling to get a fire going.

Here is a good link with more links. Looks like you should get them in the ground as soon as you can. Good luck with them.

[forestry.about.com]

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Roswell, GA (Atlanta suburb)

Don't keep them in the house. (They'll react to temp as if it's Summer)
Keep them out of the sun.

If they're bare root (you can see the roots), then you need to get them into to some sort of planting medium right away to protect the roots from drying out. Keep the roots moist somehow. Any sort of planting medium to surround the roots and keep them from drying.
If it's temporary, they don't have to be planted 'straight up, naturally, they can be on their side (especially if planted en masse).

Outside in an unheated garage/shed would be best (don't let them dry out).

Also protect them from wind (drying effect), if outside.

If your only choice is indoors, then you'll have to treat them like house plants and wait until end of April/May to plant them outdoors.

Do you live in New York State or New York City? If you live in the city, stash the seedlings with the roots wrapped loosely in damp paper towels in a ziploc bag. Put the bag in the door of your fridge. Check it every week or so.

If in New York State, line a plant pot with burlap or an old kitchen towel, put in some potting soil, cover the roots of the seedling in the soil, and put in the back yard. Then when you are ready to plant, pull up the soil in a ball and put in the hole you have dug.