Choosing a Christmas tree can be one of the most important parts of the holiday season. A beautiful tree can set the tone for the entire celebration, but what should you choose to get it just right? There are many questions: Should I get a large natural tree, a small potted tree, an artificial one, etc. I've grown up with Christmas trees and want to share some of my thoughts that might help you choose the perfect tree for you this year.
Natural Trees
A natural tree really brings that wonderful Christmas spirit. The scent, the feel, the grandeur—everything about a natural tree truly screams Christmas. But with so many different types and varieties, where should you begin? Below is some information about two common types of trees, and one that's a bit more unusual, so you can find the right kind for you:
Nordmann Fir:
The Nordmann fir, also known as the Caucasian fir, is a bit of a luxury tree. This type has full and dense branches with soft, dark green needles. It sheds very few needles, doesn't prick as much thanks to its soft foliage, and has a thick, full shape. It's also more allergy-friendly because the scent isn't as strong as that of a spruce.
Norway Spruce:
The Norway spruce is the most common tree in Swedish homes. It has short but dense needles, a strong fragrance, and is for many the obvious choice when Christmas approaches. The spruce has sharper needles than both the Nordmann and silver firs, as it isn't part of the fir family. This type sheds needles more easily than the Nordmann or silver fir, so it's important to follow care instructions to minimize this. Nevertheless, it's popular for a reason—it really brings that classic Christmas feeling and is usually the most affordable option.The strong fragrance truly creates a festive atmosphere, and its appearance feels very traditional.
Silver Fir:
If you're looking for a more unique Christmas tree, the silver fir is worth considering. Like the Nordmann fir, it's part of the fir family, giving it soft needles that last a long time. The needles have white streaks on the underside, which gives the tree a green appearance with white accents, reminiscent of snow or frost, hence its name. This tree has dense branches like the Nordmann fir, but it can be harder to find since it's rarer than the spruce or Nordmann.
What else should I know before choosing a natural tree?
One important thing to consider is size. Choosing a tree that's too large is a very common issue. You eyeball the height at home, head out to buy a tree that seems to fit, and then you bring it in only to realize it hits the ceiling before you’ve even put the star on top. It’s a good idea to measure your ceiling height beforehand and ensure you have at least 30 cm of extra space for the star. Also, think about where you want to place the tree so that it doesn’t take up the whole room. A tree that’s too wide can make the room feel cramped, while one that’s too narrow might feel a bit underwhelming.
Check that the tree is even all around, as some trees might look great from one side but sparse and bare from another.
It’s also important to ensure that the tree you choose is fresh and healthy. You can gently pull on a few needles to see if they come off easily. If they do, it’s a sign the tree isn’t fresh enough to last the whole season.
You can also check the freshness by looking at the needles—if there are already many brown needles or if they break when bent, it means the tree has already started to age.
Also, inspect the cut surface of your tree. If it looks too dry, it’s a sign the tree was felled too early, which will affect its ability to absorb water later. You can always create a fresh cut when you bring it home, but if the tree has both a dry cut and is shedding needles, I’d recommend choosing another one.
How Do I Care for My Natural Tree?
A natural tree requires care, just like any other plant.
When you first bring your tree home, it’s important to let it gradually acclimate to the indoor temperature. You can place it in a hallway, garage, or if possible, in a stairwell for a few days before moving it inside.
Water is one of the most important things to monitor with a natural Christmas tree. Make sure to place the tree in water as soon as possible, and that the trunk has a freshly cut surface so it can absorb water properly. Check the water level frequently, or use a water sensor.
Try to avoid placing your tree too close to radiators or other heat sources, as this can cause the needles to dry out.
When it’s time to take the tree down after Christmas, I recommend using a tree bag to avoid getting needles all over the house until next Christmas.
If you live in a house and have access to a wood chipper, you can shred your tree and use it as mulch for your garden next season.
Source: Smålandsgran
Artificial Trees
If you live in an apartment, someone in your home is allergic, or if a natural tree just doesn’t feel right for you, an artificial tree is the perfect alternative. Artificial trees can be reused for many years and don’t require the same care as a natural tree. You can always use scented candles or tree-scented air fresheners to still get that wonderful Christmas tree scent at home. You don’t have to worry about recycling, watering, needles, or many other issues with an artificial tree, so if these tend to be a hassle during the holidays, one of these trees might be right for you.
Just keep in mind that it’s harder to shorten an artificial tree than a natural one, so choose the right size from the start.
How Can I Decorate My Christmas Tree?
Decorating the Christmas tree is an activity for the whole family, for both young and old, and it’s completely up to you how you want to do it. Your decorations can be used on any type of tree.Here’s a small list of tips for decorating:
- A string of lights can really be the finishing touch to create that perfect holiday atmosphere and make the tree stand out in the room. Try hanging the lights vertically from the top instead of wrapping them around the tree for a new twist. Or place the lights closer to the trunk before adding the rest of the decorations to create a more subtle glow.
- I recommend using a tree mat underneath, as no matter how well your tree is doing, it will shed needles, which can then end up all over the place. A mat helps catch these.
- You could also follow the trend of hiding your tree stand in a pot to try something new!
- Feel free to combine natural elements with traditional ornaments and tinsel, or use aromatic decorations like oranges with cloves or cinnamon sticks.
- One important thing to keep in mind is your tree's height before you start decorating to ensure you have space for the star at the top.
