Given the many types of Christmas trees available and the various ways in

because you will observe the tree being cut at the time it is purchased. If a

tree is bought elsewhere, such as from a retail lot, it is important to find out

where the tree came from and when it was cut.

To determine the freshness of a tree, observe whether it looks green and

healthy, has a fragrant scent and has needles that are moist and flexible. If

the needles appear dry or show browning, then that is a sign the tree isn't very

fresh. If a large amount of green needles fall when a few branches of the tree

are shaken, that's also a sign that the tree isn't the best one to buy to last

for the entire season. The needles of fir trees should break crisply when they

are bent. If a fir tree needle is bent and doesn't break readily with pressure,

it might mean that the tree isn't absorbing water and that will affect its

longevity.

Another reason a Christmas tree farm can be a better option for purchasing a

Christmas tree is that it will be more likely to offer more species of trees and

therefore a wider variety of shapes and sizes.

For those Christmas trees that are located on retail or other commercial lots,

freshness can be determined by looking at the conditions in which the trees are

kept. Observe whether the trees are kept in stands that hold water, if baled

trees are protected from the wind and sun, if a fresh cut is put on trees and if

the trees are tied down correctly.

Another quality to consider in selecting the right Christmas tree is its size.

Before buying a tree, its important to decide where it will be placed so that

the space can be measured. You will need to do a floor to ceiling measurement

and then subtract at least 10-12 inches to get the maximum height for the

Christmas tree. It is recommended that at least 10-12 inches of space should be

between the top of the Christmas tree and the ceiling.

The bottom of the Christmas tree also needs to be checked to make sure there is

adequate space between the end of it and the lowest branches. A small diagonal

fresh cut, such as an inch, is made in that area to enhance absorption of water,

which will make the tree last longer. This cut should be made just before the

tree is placed in water. If a fresh cut is done and the tree is exposed to the

air too long, the vessels can become blocked.

Along with freshness and size, a tree should be selected based on the shape that

you like, the smell of the needles and bark and on how dense and sturdy the

branches are. For the density and sturdiness of the tree, you need to have an

idea how the tree will be decorated - how many heavy ornaments, Christmas lights

or bows will be used. As an example, a fir tree that has sturdy branches will be

better for holding heavy ornaments and a pine tree is good for Christmas trees

that have light decorations such as bows and a string of Christmas lights.

The texture of the branches and how durable or long-lasting the tree will

be are also worth considering in choosing a perfect Christmas tree.

The various types of decoration used at Christmas are what gives a pretty

decorative piece on the front of a door. Variations of wreaths include berry,

grapevine, poinsettia and snow. The berry wreath will have individual and small

clusters of red berries, holly leaves with features like a gold tint, pine cones

and needle styles. A grapevine wreath has a vine-like look and may have pine

sprigs and clusters of red berry.

Poinsettia wreaths showcase leaves that are red or different shades of red, and

may have glittered fruits such as pear, apple and grape clusters throughout its

structure. Based on the size of a poinsettia wreath, it may also have large or

small pine cones, pine sprigs and holly leaves. And then there are snow wreaths

that have an icy look from pine cones that are sprinkled or covered with snow

and which are scattered throughout the wreath.

Garlands are primarily used to decorate stairways, banisters and mantels.

Garlands also have variations such as those that have a lighted Christmas tree

look with twinkling lights and tiny ornaments or tinsel to sparkle. Others such

as a mixed needle lighted garland would have branches of wide and thin pine

needle and Christmas lights.

Christmas lights come in various forms and are also used in numerous ways

to make homes and business places shine and sparkle during the holidays.

Christmas lights may be colored or plain, may or may not twinkle, and may be

single-stringed or have multiple strings to be hung to create a look like

icicles, which makes them very flexible in how they can be used.

To beautify houses during the Christmas season, Christmas lights may be

strung around the roof line, in shrubs, placed at windows to form different

patterns and placed on patios or porches to hang as icicles. Lighted candles are

also used in windows to make them visually appealing.

Another type of lighted decoration seen during Christmas is in the form of

figures that are placed on lawns. It's a matter of personal taste that decides

how many figures to place on lawns, whether a lot or a few pieces or sometimes

just a single one may be attractive enough.

Christmas trees are the standard decorative elements that are mandatory during

the season. They may be real or artificial and can be placed inside or outside.

If placed outside, they should be lighted and also in a sufficiently lit but

subdued lighted area to maximize their visual beauty. Christmas trees are

wonderful to decorate because the entire family can participate in the

decorative process by placing the ornaments, baubles, lights and tinsel on the

tree. Some ornaments may even be personal, such as hand-made items or treasured

keepsake mementos. When these are placed on the tree every year, it can become a

tradition that is kept in the family and which creates a special memory as each

Christmas comes around.

Poinsettia flowers, with their flaming red leaves, are also a staple

decoration at Christmas time. They can be placed wherever it's suitable to place

plants. Poinsettias are commonly used around offices in general and personal

work spaces during the Christmas season.

If there's snow and a lucky 'White Christmas,' especially on

Christmas Day, then it's worth it to bundle up and with the children jump into

the snow to make a 'Frosty Snowman.' While a smiling snowman on a lawn is a

temporary decorative feature during Christmas, it's always a surprise and

delight because it means that children were out playing in the snow and having

fun.

Given the many types, variations and ways in which Christmas decorations

can be used, everyone can have some pleasure and be creative in arranging some

form of Christmas decoration to add their own sparkle and twinkle to the