I personally think there is something special about the smell and look of a pine tree. If you do get one though always look for a tree that has been grown sustainably and has an FSC logo showing it is from a well-managed forest. If you want a tree that's certified as organic as well as pesticide-free, get one that's Soil Association approved.
If you go for an artificial tree be sure to keep it for as long as possible to reduce the environmental impact of it. You may think that artificial trees are better for the environment but many trees are made in China so have a large carbon footprint. If you are fixed on getting an artificial tree why not find one secondhand from Freecycle, eBay or Free Ads?
Many families like decorating a tree together as part of their Christmas traditions. Whilst this is fun, you may not want your children handling the Christmas tree lights out of safety. An idea would be to let your children choose a number of decorations that are theirs to decorate the tree with, or maybe they could make a decoration each year to add to the tree. I know I still have decorations my son made in nursery added to our tree each year and now he's nearly 21!
So when is the best time to put your tree up? Traditionally it was Christmas Eve but many people put up their tree any time from the 1st of December. Some feel that the appropriate time to put up your Christmas tree is at the beginning of Advent which is the religious name for the period coming up to Christmas. Advent covers the four Sundays before Christmas and this year will begin on December 3rd. There is also the option of waiting until 12 days before Christmas to put up your tree, this means December 13 will be the day you turn your home into a magical Christmas wonderland.
I hope this guide has been helpful. If you have just moved into your first home, are not sure on how to decorate a tree or want a refresher, check out this infographic below on how to decorate your Christmas tree from Amara.
Tell me how do you decorate your tree? Do you go for a real tree or artificial?*PR collaboration
That picture or your tree reflected in the bauble is seriously amazing. I love decorating the tree and we will be doing it this weekend. I do have a theme and my kids hate that as they want it multi-coloured. Mich x
ReplyDeleteLove this - we pretty much start off with a theme but then it gets added to with all the stuff the kids make!
ReplyDeleteI love putting our tree up but it's far too early, we usually wait until the middle of December.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips here! Especially about ensuring our Christmas trees don't cost the earth, environmentally.
ReplyDeletei never had a real Christmas tree until about 5 years ago when I hit nearly 40. Now I wouldn't have anything else, as they are just wonderful. We usually buy it the first weekend of December otherwise they sell out and I get very sad!
ReplyDeleteI’ve just put ours up always first couple of days in December for us
ReplyDeleteSome really good tips, we love picking and decorating a real tree and I am pretty selective with what can and cannot go on it
ReplyDeleteLaura x
I've enjoyed decorating the tree. I always get excited when the decorations are going up too
ReplyDelete