The tradition of Christmas trees in America came from German


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, having a Christmas tree in 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 the right type of Christmas tree 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, both types of



trees can also be obtained through online transactions, via telephone



as well as by mail-order through catalogs.



Among Christmas trees 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 mememtos 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 that makes Christmas trees appealing is their



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.



Most people choose a fresh Christmas 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 will choose



one from its appearance, there are many choices to satisfy the desire



to have a fragrant and well-decorated tree for Christmas.