Winter has arrived in the UK, meaning we’re one step closer to Christmas. Soon it’ll be time to deck the house out with fairy lights, sparkling ornaments, and a big, festive tree. A tradition dating back to Germany in the 1500s, the Christmas tree has become an integral part of festive décor in the UK. The tree not only symbolises the celebration but dressing it with lights, baubles and plenty of tinsel is a fun activity for the whole family.
When the tradition first began, real trees were the only option and there was one variety available – the Norway Spruce. However, as time has gone on, there are a wider range of trees to choose from, with live and artificial options in several sizes, styles and even colours.
Here, we look at how to choose the perfect Christmas tree for you and your family.
Benefits of live Christmas trees
There’s something special about going to a farm or market to buy a freshly cut Christmas tree. Between choosing your favourite tree to the fun of getting it into the car and home in one piece, there’s nothing quite like the old tradition.
A live tree has also been proven to be a more sustainable choice. While cutting down trees typically takes a negative toll on the environment, researchers have recently discovered real Christmas trees have a smaller carbon footprint than artificial ones, provided they are disposed of responsibly at the end of the festive season.
Live trees come at a slightly higher cost, with prices falling between £25 for a medium tree and £50 for a larger one.
Christmas can be an expensive time of year, especially when you factor in the cost of buying presents and cooking a feast for the extended family, so it will be helpful to plan your finances accordingly.
Benefits of artificial Christmas trees
Artificial Christmas trees come in a range of colours, sizes and styles, making them a versatile choice whether you like a traditional look or modern Christmas décor. A further benefit to an artificial tree is that the pine needles will remain on the branches, meaning you won’t have them littering the floor the way they would with a real tree.
Real trees may be more sustainable in terms of carbon footprint but investing in an artificial tree will save the additional cost of buying a tree each year. If you take care of it well and keep it stored away carefully a fake tree could last you many years, making it the ideal choice if money is tight.
The size
Before buying a tree, use a tape measure to work out the maximum height and width your tree can be to fit into the space you have. While it’s tempting to buy the tallest tree you can find, that won’t do you any favours if you haven’t taken the time to measure the height of your ceiling.
It’s also important to keep in mind a bigger tree will require more lights and decorations unless you’re aiming for a minimal look. If you do decide to buy a tall tree, check you have sufficient ornaments, tinsel, and lights to decorate it the way you want, otherwise you may find yourself looking at sad, empty branches over Christmas dinner.
The colour
When it comes to natural Christmas trees, there isn’t much choice in the colour department. However, if you opt for an artificial tree, there are a wide range of colours available.
Choose something fresh and modern like a classy silver or if you want to make an impact pick up a rainbow-coloured tree or a candyfloss pink one! Children especially will be delighted with the less-traditional colour choices artificial trees can offer.
