When thinking back to our childhoods, what is one thing that makes a home feel a little more like Christmas? The Christmas tree, with its shining lights, ornaments, and the star sitting perfectly at the top. Many family traditions include loading up in the car and going to the tree farm to pick the perfect family tree, but how do you KNOW it’s the perfect one?
The Ivey Family picked a perfect Frasier Fir to enjoy this holiday season.
Photo Credit: Cortney Ivey, ©2024
Short and fat or tall and skinny? Either way, deciding where to place the tree in your house is the first step. When picking out your tree, you want to check all the angles to look for dense branches, good color, and a straight trunk. A good rule of thumb for a fresh tree is to run your hand along the branch; the needles should not come off easily. Trees that are losing needles and are dull in color should be left alone. When checking the tree trunk, look for visible cracking, which could indicate a dry tree. Once the tree is home, place it in a bucket full of water for several hours before putting it in the tree stand. For more information, see HGIC 1750, Selecting A Christmas Tree.
After picking the perfect family Christmas tree, the fun begins. Decorating the tree is where the magic happens. While putting Christmas lights on a live tree can be an amazing sight, it also can be dangerous. For more information on how to do this safely, see HGIC 1752, Christmas Tree Safety Tips. Next comes the ornaments; while you can use store-bought or homemade, fresh greenery can be considered as well. For instance, pinecones, holly berries, and fruit will make a great addition to any tree. For more information, see HGIC 1753, Holiday Decorating with Fresh Greenery.
If your family wants to support local tree farmers to add the perfect Christmas tree to your house, see the 2024 South Carolina Christmas Tree Directory.
Enjoy the fresh fragrance of a live Christmas tree throughout the holiday season and the time spent with family and friends. Merry Christmas!
