by Jeremy
White
Selecting and decorating the Christmas tree is one of our most
valued Yuletide traditions. Of all the symbols we associate with the holiday
season, few are more recognizable than the Christmas tree. We take great care
in selecting a beautiful, fragrant evergreen to place in our homes or
businesses. We watch with delight as our kids hang ornaments, often as early as
the day after Thanksgiving. We attend civic Christmas tree lightings in small
towns and large cities alike. And, of course, on Christmas Eve we fill with
anticipation as we wait for Santa to deliver the goods.
A superior, handcrafted American product created
exclusively for Christmas Depot The Whitney Fir evokes the rugged lines
of one of the most beautiful of natural trees. It is made to look like the
tall, slender trees you would see aligning a trail in the forest. It features a
unique, staggered silhouette that allows plenty of room for the most festive
trim. The variegated branch needles measure from .5 to .75 of an inch in length
and consist of multiple shades of green in color, including a dark forest green
and a light emerald green. This heavy-duty-built model features an amazing 872
branch tips, and has a maximum width of 40 inches. Each branch is constructed
in a manner to accommodate your most treasured keepsake ornaments and present
them just wonderfully in the tree. No other artificial Christmas tree produced
anywhere in the world can match the quality and features of this genuine
Whitney Fir creation.
It all starts with the selection process, however. If, like
millions of traditionalists everywhere, you've made the decision to trim a real
tree versus an artificial one, your first step is to decide where you'll
procure the evergreen and what type of tree you want.
While you can
obtain a cutting permit and venture into a public forest yourself to down your
tree, that may not be the safest or most efficient way to go. Today, most
consumers opting for live trees visit a commercial Christmas tree farm or
nursery, or they purchase one from a market vendor who has had the tree shipped
from a nursery/farm.
Often, choices abound. Fir, spruce, pine, cedar and
cypress all are popular varieties. Typically, a fir is considered the "true"
Christmas tree. But the fact of the matter is that there are different species
of fir trees and there truly is no right or wrong choice, no "official"
Christmas tree. For example, a Colorado Blue Spruce serves as the National
Christmas Tree outside the White House. Inside the White House, however, a
variety of trees have been used over the years. There is no preferred
presidential evergreen.
According to The National Christmas Tree
Association (NCTA), the 10 most popular Christmas trees grown and sold in the
United States are as follows, in order:
- 1. Fraser Fir
- 2. Douglas
Fir
- 3. Balsam Fir
- 4. Colorado Blue Spruce
- 5. Scotch Pine
- 6.
Eastern Red Cedar
- 7. White Spruce
- 8. Eastern White Pine
- 9. White
Fir
- 10. Virginia Pine
While not in the Top 10 in terms of
popularity, the Leyland Cypress is a good choice for individuals who suffer
from allergies but still want a real tree for Christmas, according to the
NCTA.
When choosing the tree that works best for your family, you'll
want to take several things into consideration - beginning with the tree's
size. Know the dimensions of the space into which you hope to place your tree.
How high is the ceiling? How wide is the area? Take along a tape measure so
that you can be certain the tree you've chosen will fit.
Look for a
green tree with no (or very few) brown needles.
Take a good look at the
bottom of the tree's "trunk" to ensure it is both sturdy and straight. If it is
knotted or curved it may not fit into your base - then you've purchased and
hauled a useless tree.
A reputable dealer won't sell a tree with these
blemishes, but we all know there are plenty of disreputable vendors out there
looking to make a quick buck!
Just like you kick the tires before buying
a car, it's a good idea to test a tree before buying it by taking a branch in
your grasp and, with gentle pressure, pulling at it. Don't pull hard, but
instead allow the branch of the tree to pass through your fingers and palm
pressure. If all or a majority of the needles stay on, the tree is strong. If
several fall off, you're dealing with a weak tree.
Once you have a tree
set up inside your home, it's time to decorate! A first-rate tree-topper and
ornaments are an absolute must.
Finally, real trees can become fire
hazards if proper precautions are not taken.
Brought to you by Imaginary Greetings, focused on how families
get by in this wonderful world of ours. To help create the perfect family
holiday scene in your home, for the best selection of
Christmas trees, lighting,
collectibles and everything else Christmas, visit
Santa's Depot. Santa's official
online Christmas shop.
Provided By:
Family
