Choosing a Christmas Tree 

Before choosing a Christmas tree, read this important article.

The tradition of Christmas trees in America came from German immigrants who had settled in Pennsylvania. 

It is believed that the tradition of Christmas trees started in Germany from as early as 700 A.D and was practiced by many Germans in the 1800s. It's also since that period that Christmas trees have also been available for sale in the United States. 

While artificial Christmas trees are popular, many people like to have a fresh Christmas tree in their homes, or outside on their lawns. And similar to all other trees, Christmas trees also have different shapes and qualities that make some types more popular than others.

Along with other decorative Christmas items such as wreaths and
garlands, choosing a Christmas tree ifor your home is very essential in creating a special atmosphere for the season. It is believed that
Christmas trees have been available for sale in America since the
1800s, which is about the same time that the former Woolworth's
department store started selling ready-made ornaments for Christmas trees.

Choosing a Christmas tree type is important because Christmas trees are often a focal point for many family activities and traditions. Given the many types of Christmas trees that are available, it is important to think about how the tree will be used. 

While a tall tree may look very elegant, it may not be suitable if there aren't many adults around who can reach the tree's heights. And a very short tree may be dwarfed by other furniture in the room. It's therefore very important to carefully consider and get a tree that has a suitable height and also one that has sturdy branches to hold heavy ornaments.

Artificial and real Christmas trees can often be bought from the
same retail stores these days as local businesses and retail chain
stores often sell both types of trees. The best place to get a real and
fresh Christmas tree, and also to see a wide variety, is likely a
Christmas tree farm however. Using modern technology, choosing a Christmas tree can also be accomplished through online transactions, via telephone as well as by mail-order through catalogs.

When choosing a Christmas tree you will find there are certain types that are always favorites and which are bestsellers. These include:  Douglas, Fraser, Noble and Balsam firs, and Scotch, Virginia and white pine trees.

These evergreen trees all have all have one or more excellent
features related to shape, color or sheen and fragrance, which makes
them favorites for Christmas trees.

The most favorite Christmas trees basically have a pyramid or
cone shape. A pyramid-shaped tree is likely taller and has somewhat of an elegant look. Douglas Fir, which ranks first among Christmas tree favorites, is an example of a pyramid-shaped tree. Other examples are, Fraser, Balsam and Noble firs. A cone shape tree tends to be short with dense branches, which makes them excellent for holding many ornaments and other decorations.  

Families that have a strong tradition of making their own ornaments, or putting mementos on Christmas trees may consider a cone-shaped tree. Virginia and Scotch Pines, Norway Spruce and the Eastern White Pine all have cone shapes.

Another feature to look for when choosing a Christmas tree is the color. While all trees have a green appearance, a closer look at their
needles will reveal differences such as a bright or dark-green, blue-
green or yellowish-green hue. The needles may also emit a silvery sheen with the right lighting. 

Fraser and Noble firs both have needles with a silvery sheen, and the branches of both trees are also used for garlands and wreaths. When choosing a Christmas tree most people choose a fresh tree for its fragrance, which can be fairly strong or just subtle, giving off just enough of a whiff of scent. Douglas Fir, which is the most popular Christmas tree in homes and public places, is a very fragrant tree. The Balsam fir is also fairly fragrant. The Eastern White Pine is however, a tree that doesn't have much fragrance.

Whether you have a favorite type of Christmas tree or you will be choosing a Christmas tree for its appearance, there are many choices to satisfy the desire to have a fragrant and well-decorated tree for Christmas.