Now that Thanksgiving is officially over, it's finally appropriate to start thinking about the next big thing… Christmas!
This is such a fun time of the year, even though there are some things that can be stressful during the season too. The feelings of togetherness and joy overcome the fact that there are meals to prepare and distant cousins to get gifts for.
One of the most festive parts of the Christmas season is, of course, the Christmas tree. Everything leads up to Christmas morning, when the whole family gathers around the beautifully adorned tree in their pajamas to drink hot cocoa and open up their presents from loved ones. The tree is everything!
So, you wouldn't want to pick the wrong tree, would you?
These nine tips will help ensure that you get the very best tree for your home this year.
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Thumbnail sources: Flickr 1, 2
1. Know Your Species
The first thing to do before you get a tree is to do some research on which kind of tree will work best for your family and your home. For example, if you’ve got kids, you might not want a blue spruce, because the needles are sharper than those on other trees. But, if you’ve got a lot of heavy ornaments, you probably don’t want a Douglas pine, because the branches are flimsy and won’t hold your years-old collection of decorations.
2. Measure Your Space
You need to make sure that your tree won't be too fat or too tall for your home. Always measure the space where you want to put up your tree, and take along the measuring tape when you go to purchase so that you don't go overboard on height or width.
3. Research Places To Buy
Freshly cut is always going to be better than a tree that's been sitting on a lot somewhere. It will live longer and you'll be able to enjoy it for much longer. Plus, cutting your own tree is much more fun. Try to find a tree farm near where you live!
4. Check For Dead Needles
The last thing you want is for your Christmas tree to sprinkle needles all over your otherwise perfect Christmas tableau of a living room. if you see any visible brown needles, move on to the next tree. You can also grab one of the branches between your fingers and pull with a bit of force. If any needles come off, move along to a healthier tree!
5. Look For Evenly Colored Trees
You might like the look of color variation on a pre-cut tree, but it may mean that the tree is already drying out if it transitions from a rich green to a gray-green.
6. Be Ready To Argue Your Case
If your family is anything like mine, picking out a perfect tree that everyone agrees on is no small feat. You better be ready to argue for your top pick when it comes time to bring one home!
7. Ask An Employee For Advice
If you're not near a tree farm and have to pick up a pre-cut tree, ask an employee which trees arrived most recently. You can even offer a tip for their help in finding you the longest-lasting tree, as they often don't work on commission and will most likely be willing to slightly bend any rules for a tip.
8. Embrace Imperfections
If you have a ton of ornaments to decorate your tree, then a gap here and there in the branches might be your friend. You can fill up the empty spaces with those cherished decorations and twinkling lights. A tree with personality is also sometimes priced lower than a so-called "perfect" tree.
9. Check The Trunk
Make sure that the trunk of the tree you pick will fit into your tree stand. You wouldn't want to get the tree of your dreams all the way home just to realize that you have no way of putting it up! Always measure first.
Did you already know any of these tips? Did we miss anything from our list? Let us know in the comments and please SHARE with your family and friends on Facebook!
