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The leftover turkey, dressing, sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie are gone. Now it’s time to focus on the Christmas holiday. The centerpiece in most homes is the Christmas tree, one of the most iconic symbols of the holiday season.

 

Many families opt for a fresh tree to decorate. When looking for a pre-cut fresh tree, check the condition of the needles. When bent gently, the needs should bend rather than break. Another way for consumers to check for freshness is to lift the tree off the ground a few inches and drop it back on the stump end. If the tree is fresh, there shouldn’t be many outer needles that fall off. If you observe a lot of outer needles coming off, choose a different tree. Pine trees shed the inner needles. Should you decide to go to a business where you cut your own tree, the dry, inner needles will be shaken out before taking it home.

 

When purchasing a pre-cut tree, it’s always a good idea to make a fresh cut to the bottom of the trunk. This allows the tree to take up water and help keep it fresh throughout the season. Place the tree in a bucket of water or in the tree stand filled with water. Be sure to keep the tree watered so the cut end doesn’t seal. Fresh trees can use anywhere from a pint to a gallon or more of water each day, so keep a close eye on the tree stand throughout the holidays to make sure it doesn’t dry out.

 

Live trees are another option and can be a great addition to the landscape once the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over.

 

Artificial trees remain quite popular, and some are very realistic. Pre-lit varieties are available in white or colored lights. Here’s a blast from the past … who remembers the silver trees with the rotating color wheel?

 

Tree decorations have certainly evolved over the years. Early decorations were mostly edible items such as nuts, apples and gingerbread. Moving into the 19th century, tinsel and glass ornaments became all the rage. While candles were popular much earlier, by later in the 19th century, electric Christmas lights were being introduced. These were a much safer option than candles. Today’s trees feature a wide variety of materials used in decorating. Some families choose a theme, while others have a more eclectic approach. Some of you may have decorations from your youth, while others pick up a new ornament each year when on vacation and reminisce about past travels when it’s tree-decorating time.

 

No matter what kind of tree takes center stage in your home, take time to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family.