During the Christmas rush, when shopping seems to be the activity that reigns supreme, we often overlook the process of buying a Christmas tree. After a trip to the mall, with the car trunk already brimming with purchases, we may pass a roadside tree shop and think, “Okay, we’re here already, might as well buy a Christmas tree now!”
Saving time and avoiding a return trip sounds great, but what happens when you get home and realize that the tree is the wrong size or your second child is allergic to fir? No worries! Your next best alternative is to dig up the dusty box from the attic and take out the trusty plastic tree!
However, don’t disrespect the tradition of buying and decorating a Christmas tree by rushing the process. Following these preliminary steps will help ensure that you don’t waste time or money on the wrong tree.
- Decide where you want to put it. The most popular choice is the living room, but some people prefer not to clutter this space, especially if they plan on doing a lot of entertaining. Will it be the terrace, the sunroom, the dining room, or the family room where everyone gathers around the fireplace after supper?
- Measure the height of the ceiling. Allow at least one foot of clearance from the ceiling. More than one foot is preferable, especially to ensure that the person assigned to put the star on top of the tree doesn’t have to risk a fall. Be sure to bring your tape measure when you shop for the tree.
- The base of the tree is just as important. Ensure you have a solid base that can support the weight of the tree (after it’s been decorated). Also, make sure the base is wide enough, particularly if you have children in the house. Don’t forget about the playful dog and cat!
- Choose a tree with thick, plentiful foliage and a bark that doesn’t show signs of disease. Ask the seller when the tree was cut. One way to test its freshness is to give the tree a little shake. If a lot of needles fall off, the tree may be on its last legs.
Christmas Tree Varieties
The three most popular Christmas tree varieties are Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir, and Fraser Fir.
Balsam Fir: A favorite for its fragrant smell, the Balsam Fir is usually tall and narrow (or slender, as some people describe it). The leaves are short, flat, and have resinous needles. It is an evergreen conifer, and its bark is thin and gray, turning brown in older trees.
Douglas Fir: Known for its graceful appearance, the Douglas Fir is similar to the Balsam, but with slightly longer needles. This variety is abundant in North America, making up about one-fifth of all softwood trees. It can grow up to 60 feet tall and spread to 25 feet in its natural habitat.
Fraser Fir: Often mistaken for the Balsam Fir, the Fraser Fir has distinctive needles that measure half an inch to two-thirds of an inch long. Its dark green needles have silver hues underneath, and the tree has a pyramid-like shape. It can grow up to 80 feet tall in its natural habitat.
Other varieties include the Noble Fir and the Scotch Pine. The Noble Fir is most common on the West Coast but is becoming a favorite across the US and Canada. The Scotch Pine is the number one choice in North America. Its upward-turning branches make it easier to hang Christmas decorations, and it is currently the top seller in the US for this reason.
After Buying Your Christmas Tree…
Once you’ve bought your tree, it’s important to take precautions to avoid spoiling your holidays or causing accidents. Here are some simple rules to follow:
- No pets allowed: Keep your pets away from the tree and never leave them alone in the room with it. If they must be in the room, ensure that someone is present to prevent them from stepping on wires or playing with the hanging decorations.
- Trim lower branches: Children and pets often go under the tree to check out the presents. You can trim the lower branches and remove any sharp parts that could cause eye injuries or scratches.
- Avoid heat sources: Don’t place your tree near a heat element, fireplace, or portable heater.
- Hang delicate ornaments safely: For fragile or sharp ornaments, hang them on higher branches where children and pets can’t reach them.
- Avoid artificial snow: Artificial snow sprays can be toxic and may trigger allergies, so it’s best to avoid using them.
- Turn off the lights: Before bedtime or when you leave the house for long periods, turn off the tree lights. Use only UL-approved electrical cords and extension plugs. Replace any worn-out cords immediately.
Time to Decorate the Christmas Tree
You’ve bought your tree, installed it, and it’s securely in place. The kids have been told how to behave around the Christmas tree, and you’ve taken steps to ensure that the dog or cat doesn’t knock it down, causing a mess.
When it comes to buying Christmas tree decorations, the biggest challenge is choosing among the vast variety available. Prices can range from under a dollar to as much as $200 per item, depending on where you buy your decorations.
However, decorations don’t need to be expensive to look attractive. You can reuse last year’s decorations or create a theme for this year. For example, if you choose a theme like “animals,” you’ll know exactly what to buy. Or you could go with an “angels” theme, as angels now come in many colors, shapes, and sizes.
Some Christmas trees are decorated using only ribbons. These ribbons come in a rich array of colors and sizes, some with glitter, tiny bells, felt, rope, or strong paper with reflective colors. Get creative and use your imagination!
