Among the guests of honour at Christmas, how can we give up our favourite fir tree? Choosing it with care becomes a mission.
For a truly complete holiday season that brings back the warmth and beauty of our childhood, a tree that is up to scratch is essential. Choosing an artificial one, then, becomes even more interesting; let’s see how to untangle this forest.
Every year, between the end of November and the beginning of December, a frenzy breaks out in many countries around the world: the Christmas tree has to be decorated!
First of all, however, it is important to buy it, and therefore to choose it. While the scent and tradition of a real fir tree are an easy draw for many, today more and more customers are choosing an artificial or synthetic tree instead. Not only for the various advantages, but also for environmental reasons, which we will look at together. Whatever the choice, however, it is always right to assess every single factor that may influence our purchase.
ProduceShop, which offers a wide range of Christmas trees in its catalogue, of all types, sizes, colours and prices, is now giving you this practical guide (a little pre-Christmas present) so that you can choose only the most suitable artificial Christmas tree for your needs.
A bit of history
Who first came up with the idea of decorating a fir tree?
Going back a long way in time, the Celts and Vikings were among the first people to decorate fir trees, or evergreen trees in general. These trees represented immortality and rebirth, and Druids and priests filled them with fruit, flowers and sweets to celebrate fertility and abundance.
Later, as the Romans passed on, the Christians also picked up the habit;
immortality and rebirth are ideas easily linked to their Messiah, so the transition from pagan to Christian was immediate.
The earliest evidence of fir trees being brought into the home and decorated for Christmas, however, dates back to the 17th century; while the Catholics were too dogmatic, the Protestants in northern Europe (especially Germany) were much more open to celebrating with lights and decorations. Then in the 19th century, passing through France, the tradition took hold all over the world, until it was repeated on a grand scale in the most important squares (Time Square in New York, St Peter’s Square in Rome, Trafalgar Square in London).
A little curiosity: in countries where Christmas was not celebrated for years, such as Russia (former USSR), the tree is decorated to celebrate New Year’s Eve, so there is no shortage of opportunities to buy one!
Why choose an artificial one?
It’s true: a real fir tree always has its effect, with its scent and the vivid sensations it communicates. But are we sure it is the best choice for Christmas?
Think about it: how long does a cut down tree last? What happens to it after the holidays? It will be thrown away, used as firewood if it’s OK, otherwise thrown to rot behind the house, in a shed or in the attic. So why not avoid such environmental waste?
Not only will you save the waste of a good tree, which will be thriving in nature, but by reducing felling, the environment in general will gain.
Two other small advantages: in addition to saving money year after year, for a tree that we can easily put away and arrange every Christmas, we are also talking about a fir tree that does not lose needles, does not lose resin, does not lose dust, and therefore does not get dirty. Not a small benefit, don’t you think?
An eye to the budget
While it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your budget, in this case we’d recommend spending a little more money.
Not just because we’re talking about the Christmas tree anyway, and therefore a fundamental and lasting presence; a quality product, as we’ve often said, you pay more, but only once. Choosing the tree with the best features will therefore make us increase our budget, but will guarantee us an eternal and beautiful product, and the same goes for decorations and Christmas lights.
Choosing a Christmas Tree: The Ultimate Guide?
What factors to consider when choosing the most beautiful one? Let’s find out together!
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Colour
Although it’s natural to think of lush, green trees, there’s more to Christmas trees than just this colour. Some, for example, prefer a beautiful all-white spruce, reminiscent of snowy branches and winter climates. There is also a third type, which is green with ‘snow sprinkles’ on the branches, i.e. white on the tips. Choose according to your personal taste, of course.
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Material
As they are artificial trees, forget about real wood and leaves. They are almost always made of plastic, PVC or polyethylene, with a metal skeleton or structure (steel or aluminium). The better the quality of the tree, the better the product. They are often made of recycled plastics; the important thing is to make sure they are sourced, and that they use non-toxic, non-allergenic, fireproof and durable materials.
Traditional Classic Artificial White Christmas Tree 240 Cm Zermatt -
Branches and Spikes
What gives the image of a flourishing tree (and determines a large part of the price) is the number of branches and tips that branch out from them. If we are already talking about trees with more than 1000 tips, we are referring to a product that will give a beautiful image, thick and perfect to be filled with decorations. Also make sure that the opening of the branches and tips is easy, and don’t forget some of them closed during assembly!
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Height and diameter
These are the two dimensions that determine the size of the tree. In terms of height, you can start with XS models (80cm) to XXL models (over 210cm); in terms of diameter, you can go from slim (around 90cm) to large (over 120cm). This factor should be taken into account when considering the space available in the house (or wherever you are setting up the tree), so that it is easy not only to set it up, but also to decorate it and fill it with presents underneath.
Decorazioni Artificial Christmas Tree With Decorations Decorated 240 Cm Oulu -
Opening
By opening we mean two different things: both the opening of individual branches and tips, which is easy thanks to the wire that forms the core, and the opening of whole sections and the base. Make sure that the opening and closing system is therefore quick, simple and solid, so that it is not a problem every year.
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Decorations
Here again, it all depends on your personal taste (but also on your laziness). While most customers prefer to buy the tree bare and decorate it to their taste, some do not have the time or inclination to do so. There are trees that are sold fully decorated (with lights, balls, chains, etc.), and others that are semi-decorated with pine cones and berries.
Bonus decoration!
You need to decorate your Christmas tree, but you’re fed up with the usual decorations?
Do you want to decorate it giving it a more personal and original look?
Very simple! There are several little ideas, almost all of them do-it-yourself, that you can use to make your Christmas tree more sparkling and personal!
- biscuits and chocolates
- dried orange slices (which also add a touch of fragrance)
- bows made from your favourite fabrics and textures
- Resin flowers and plants
- animal figurines, your superheroes or dolls
- small reminders of your hobbies and passions (brushes and pencils for artists, origami sheet music for musicians, football cards for footballers, spoons for confectionery lovers, etc.).
- classic children’s crafts (paper, cardboard, pasta, chalk and much more).
As you can see, the only limit is the imagination, so get on with it!
Are you also excited about the holidays? Excellent
Enter the ProduceShop catalogue now, follow our guide, and start decorating your home with a beautiful artificial Christmas tree.
