Hobbies & Crafts

Both artificial Christmas trees and freshly cut trees have their advantages and drawbacks. For this post, we'd like to concentrate on the advantages of choosing an artificial Christmas tree.



One of the advantages involves cost. While freshly cut trees must be purchased anew each year, an artificial tree that is well cared-for and properly stored will last for many years. Also, the branches can be arranged somewhat, and already uniform, so there is never the problem of a "bald spot" that must be hidden or turned to the wall. Setting the tree in the stand is infinitely easier with an artificial tree, which usually just pops into its base and sets up perfectly straight instantly. And you won't have all that sticky sap to clean off your hands, your clothing, your ornaments, and even (sometimes) your hair! While it's true that artificial trees don't have that familiar cozy pine scent, I've discovered a trick to overcome that ... simply purchase a bottle of essential oil in pine or fir, and soak cotton balls in the oil and hide these in the branches. You can also use a wicking system or an oil diffuser to spread the holiday scent.

And the most fun advantage? Artificial Christmas trees are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and styles to allow you to really customize your look. Especially suited to elegant or retro decor, or perhaps contemporary interiors are the frosted trees tinged with pink, all-over winter frosted trees, or tinsel-trees. Living in a tropical clime? Make a statement with a lighted palm tree instead. Do you have a place that really needs to make a HUGE statement? Artificial trees up to 25 feet tall are available. Or do you want something really imaginative? You can even purchase an upside-down tree! And of course my own favorite ... a traditional fir tree.

And don't forget, Christmas trees don't have to be only for Christmas ... imagine the pink tree at right covered with hearts for Valentine's Day!



Christmas trees are usually the center of your holiday decor, and the focus of family decorating as well. I still remember the twinkling brightness of the small silver tinsel tree one of my grandmas put out each Christmas, and my fascination with the snow flocking on the tree at my childhood friend's house. Choose a special tree to help make the memories of your holiday home special too!