Christmas is eight days away. Have you prepared your Christmas tree already? If not, you may feel puzzled at how to choose a right tree for your family and how to decorate it for the important festival. Don't worry, we are going to introduce you some of the points.
- History of Christmas Trees
The modern Christmas tree originated in Germany. The "Paradise Tree" was the main prop of a popular medieval play about Adam and Eve. It is a fir tree full of apples, representing the Garden of Eden. On December 24, the religious holiday of Adam and Eve, the Germans placed a paradise tree in their homes. They hang wafers on it, symbolizing the Eucharist, which in later traditions were replaced by cookies of various shapes. The tree would also be hung with candles symbolizing Christ as the light of the world. In the same room there is also the "Christmas Pyramid," a triangular wooden structure with shelves for Christmas figurines and decorated with evergreen trees, candles and stars. By the 16th century, the Christmas pyramid and the Tree of Heaven were combined into one Christmas tree.
In the 17th century, German immigrants brought the custom of the Christmas tree to the North American continent, and it became popular throughout North America by the end of the 18th century. 1840 saw the marriage of Prince Albert of Saxony, Germany, to Queen Victoria of England, introducing the custom to England.
- Artificial v.s Real, Which one is Better?
Christmas trees on the market can be divided into artificial and natural trees. Selection of real trees or artificial Christmas trees often plagued people as there are advantages and disadvantages to both artificial and real trees. The final use of which still depends on personal preference.
Advantages of artificial trees.
①Save the trouble of maintenance. Artificial trees don't have sticky sap, they don't lose leaves everywhere, and they never need to be watered. For people who are busy or don't like DIY, artificial trees are definitely a better choice.
②They are recyclable. At the end of the Christmas season, the artificial tree can be folded up and put in the basement or attic until next Christmas when it can be taken out and reused.
③Cheaper price. Nielsen surveyed nearly 30,000 U.S. households on behalf of the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA), also found that the average cost of a real tree was $46 and the average cost of an artificial tree was $78. Considering that $78 for an artificial tree can be used for several years, $46 for a real tree naturally seems unattractive.
Disadvantages of artificial trees.
① Plastic products are not easy to decompose, easy to cause environmental pollution. The main raw material for most artificial Christmas trees is PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride). Its manufacturing process involves hazardous chemicals such as liquid chlorine, huge energy input and a large output of toxic waste. In addition, when artificial Christmas trees are discarded, such plastic cannot be degraded and can only go into landfills.
②It is harmful to health. The chemicals in the artificial trees are often ignored by people, but they are not beneficial for human health.
Advantages of real trees.
①More festive atmosphere. Families can go to a farm together to choose a tree, and trimming and dressing up the tree at home can also add to the festive atmosphere and vitality.
②They are good for your health. A fresh Christmas tree will emit a strong pine fragrance, purifying the air and making it naturally healthy.
③They are environmentally friendly. The biodegradability of real Christmas trees is an advantage. After the holidays, they are usually chopped, crushed, made into mulch or sent to farms to feed livestock.
④Boosting the local farm economy. Real Christmas trees are not cut down from the forest; in fact, they have become an industry, and companies engaged in the industry often create large tracts of land dedicated to growing Christmas trees. Christmas tree farms in the United States also provide more than 100,000 jobs each year.
Disadvantages of real trees.
① It takes a lot of time to trim and maintain. Buying a real Christmas tree is like gardening. You have to water it and trim the branches and needles every day. If not properly maintained, the Christmas tree may die quickly. And a freshly cut tree can't stay fresh for a long time and will inevitably lose its needles, which will also create more work for household cleaning.
③Waste of resources. It takes about 7 to 10 years to grow Christmas trees, but they must be discarded after one use.
④May cause allergies. The branches and pine needles of Christmas trees can breed mold, and the longer the tree sits, the more mold and dust it will collect. Mold multiplies and grows rapidly in the comfort and warmth of an indoor environment. It is these robes released by the mold that cause allergy symptoms.
- How to Pick the Right Tree?
①Measure your room size. The first thing to consider when buying a Christmas tree is the room you want to place it. Use a tape measure to measure the height of the room, remember to include the height of the pot or the bottom bracket for the tree. Make sure there is a gap between the tree and the roof. . In addition to height, the footprint of the tree should also be carefully considered. For example, spruce is a tree species that has flexible branches and leaves. General sales outlets will use net bags tightly and then sell them to save space. However, after the net bags are opened, the crown of the tree will unfold and it looks like it will be twice as large as when it was purchased. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the environment and determine the largest area that can be used to place the Christmas tree.
②Do a branch/needle test for dryness. When choosing a fresh Christmas tree, you need to check the physical characteristics of the tree, including the strength of the branches and the ability to retain needles. Touch the needles with your hands. If the needles fall off easily, the tree is very dry. You can also bend the branches a little. If the branches break easily, the tree is also very dry.
③Focus on the special needs of family members. There are many types of Christmas trees, and each tree has different characteristics. Some needles are broad and round, and some are thin and sharp. If you have babies in your home, you need to ensure that the needles of the tree will not easily hurt them.
- How to Decorate Christmas Trees?
①Choose the right color. In order for the Christmas tree to achieve the best visual effect, it is necessary to pay attention to the color matching of the Christmas tree. Choose 2 to 3 colors for the ornaments, and then consider the color matching with the tree. Red, gold and the green of trees are the most classic combinations. When paired with the dark green of trees, they will be full of unexpected beauty. Blue, purple, and white are also very good combinations, but the two must not be mixed together, otherwise it will be a bit nondescript.
②Decorative lights. With the colored lights, the feeling of Christmas will immediately become prominent. Arrange the colorful lights from top to bottom, and place the switch against the wall for easy hiding.
③Decorative colored balls. Put the bigger one at the bottom to save space. You can also stuff large balls in the bare areas of fresh trees. The accessories should be patchy, avoid straight lines, and you should leave some distance between the accessories. Don't use too many balls, so as to highlight the characteristics of each colored ball, and achieve a coordinated picture.
④ Decorative ribbons. The next step is to hang the ribbon. Don't simply hang it straight, but surround the Christmas tree horizontally to fully reflect the softness and grace of the ribbon. There are many types of ribbons: beads, plush, ribbons and so on. Don't choose too many types of ribbons, one or two are enough.
⑤Small ornaments. In fact, anything can be hung on the Christmas tree. But when choosing, pay attention to the harmony between the matching of the various accessories and the whole tree, and don't hang too many similar ones together. Heavier ornaments should be hung on branches close to the trunk, and lighter ornaments should be hung on branches.
⑥Decorate the bottom. The bottom of the tree is even simpler, just cover it with gift boxes and flowers.
⑦ Christmas star. The star at the top of the Christmas tree is the final step. It symbolizes the Archangel Gabriel.
- How to Dispose of Christmas Trees after Christmas?
The real tree processing is more environmentally friendly from the artificial tree. There are three main ways to recycle Christmas trees: Curbside residential collection; Drop-off recycling; Non-profit whole tree pickup. The trees can be sent to farms to feed animals. They can also be chipped into mulch in the garden.
Artificial trees are supposed to be kept in use for at least six to nine years. If you plan to replace an artificial tree, donate it to people who need is a good choice.
- Christmas Tree Tips
①Be aware of the fire hazard, be it artificial or real tree.
②Clean your real Christmas tree in the yard before moving it in the house.
