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When it comes to Christmas decorations, there is no substitute for a real, live Christmas tree. Live trees require special care when they are inside your home. Each year, up to 300 Christmas tree fires are reported in the U.S. alone. Here are some tips to care for your tree, and to have a safe holiday season.
Christmas Tree
The most important safety tip for live trees is to keep them watered! A dry tree is a far greater fire hazard than a well-watered tree. Depending on the size of your tree and your local climate, a live tree can drink up to 1 1/2 gallons of water per day. If the stand is out of water, fill it back up.
Christmas Tree
Before placing your tree into the stand, use a hacksaw or axe to cut 1/2 inch off the bottom of the trunk. This will remove any dried sap and allow the tree to more easily absorb water.
Christmas Tree
Make sure your tree is drinking water. If the water level in the stand doesn't seem to be going down for more than a day, then your tree isn't taking up water. This could lead to a dangerous drying out. Check the trunk for dried sap or other obstructions.
Christmas Tree
Verify that your stand is not leaking water. A stand that leaks is dangerous for two different reasons. First, it fools you into thinking the tree is drinking more water than it actually is, which could lead to a dry tree. Second, cords from lights or other decorations may drag across the water outside the stand, creating an electrical fire hazard. If you suspect that your stand is leaking, fix or replace it immediately.
Christmas Tree
Dispose of your tree before it dries out. A well-watered tree can last for 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the size and your local climate. Once the needles start to turn brown or start falling off, the tree is drying out and needs to be disposed of.
Christmas Tree
Place your tree at least 3 feet from fireplaces, furnaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Although this seems like an obvious tip, many people still place their tree directly next to the fireplace. Although a well-watered tree isn't easy to ignite, it can and does happen. Be safe: put the tree somewhere else.
Christmas Tree
Christmas trees are a wonderful tradition among Christians and non-Christians as well, but there are so many choices available. There are real ones, artificial ones, table top ones, red ones, pink ones, and much more. Although all trees are wonderful, how do you pick one that is perfect for you and the space it will be in? Here are 5 steps to picking a great tree.
Christmas Tree
Money is certainly a factor. An 8 foot live tree in New York City or Miami will most likely cost you much more than $100, maybe much more. You'll need to set a budget. Keep in mind that a live tree, unless perhaps potted, will only last one year, where an artificial tree will last many years. You can spend more on an artificial tree as it will last several years. If it is a high quality one, it may outlive you, where a cheapie is not going to last nearly as long.
Christmas Tree
Decide on whether you want a live or artificial tree. Live ones are pretty much farmed using economically sound principles these days so that is not an issue. Live trees do require more care, shed needles, can be fire hazards, and need to be somehow disposed of afterwards. With an artificial tree, although they do not have that wonderful natural smell, you have less fuss and mess. You also have an enormous range of options available in styles and colors, ranging from natural looking to very unnatural looking but funky, for example an upside down purple tree.
Christmas Tree
Size is a big issue. Measure your space and remember that trees always look bigger inside. You may have space for big one, but that doesn't mean you want the biggest tree that will fit there. If you have a small space, you may want to consider a so called "table top" tree, usually one which is 5 feet tall or less, often even less than 3 feet.
Christmas Tree
If you decide on an artificial tree, after size, the most important decision is whether you want a natural looking tree or a funky looking but unnatural looking one, for example a pink tree with purple lights.
Christmas Tree
The fifth step is really the first - start early. If you start looking a few days before Christmas, your choices are going to be limited compared to if you start at Thanksgiving. Also keep in mind that when looking for artificial trees, sometimes you can get great deals after the holidays!
Christmas is less than a hundred days away and now is the perfect time to find the best Christmas tree lights to make your house shine bright this holiday season. Christmas lights symbolize the light of the stars that has a very important significant meaning for the Christian world. And no Christmas decoration can ever be complete without having to put up Christmas lights. Any sign of Christmas lights whether in your house, in the mall, in the park, or even in the office, automatically gives a feeling of warmth and happiness because of the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Tree Light
First factor is to consider is the authenticity of these Christmas tree lights. A lot of various brands and labels of Christmas lights are available in the market nowadays and even though they are sold for a good price, customers should still be careful of purchasing the right lights for their house. Some lights are made with some kind of substance that makes it very prone to overheating and even chances of having a short-circuit and fire. Make sure to check the lights that have an approval from the respective bureau that's assigned to test these products.
Christmas Tree Light
Another factor to consider in purchasing Christmas tree lights is how long you need it to be. There are different lengths of Christmas lights available in the market and you first need to make sure just exactly how long you need it to be. By knowing the exact measurements you need, you can save a lot of money by buying just what you need and no more than that.
Christmas Tree Light
Exact color of the lights is also an important factor to consider. In order to cater to different kinds and colors of Christmas trees, manufacturers have also produced a wide array of colors of Christmas lights to choose from, a simple off-white to multi-colored, or bluish white to red. This is a pretty simple decision but it sure can make a big impact if you happen to choose the perfect color that will suit your Christmas tree as well as your overall Christmas decorations.
Christmas Tree Light
If you're a pro in installing Christmas tree lights then you would surely find this activity highly entertaining and fun to do. However, some homeowners dread having to install Christmas lights because they can't seem to do it perfectly. In these special cases, you might want to hire a professional or even ask help from either a family member or a friend to assist you in creating the perfect design for your tree.
Christmas Tree Light
Christmas tree lights are more than just mere decorations; these are true symbolization of the true Christmas spirit being a light for others. It's not entirely dependent on whether your Christmas decors look the best in town it's all a matter of having Christmas decors in order to really feel the warmth that this holiday season brings upon the people.
Christmas Tree Light
One of the most favourite times of the year is Christmas - for almost everyone! One of children's greatest enjoyments is looking at all the Christmas lights that are used to decorate everything from lampposts to trees and from houses to shrubs. Some have even been known to decorate garden fixtures such as parked cars and fences with Christmas lights. It is a joyous time of year and world-wide the celebration is known by all the lights and decorations everywhere. There are so many varieties and types of Christmas tree lights and one might not know where to start!
Christmas Tree Light
Christmas tree lights, or fairy lights as known in the UK, have only been around for a couple hundred years, though the first lights to decorate trees were not electric, but flame. Technology evolving as it has, not only are we able to decorate with electric bulbs now but now private individuals are able to decorate their own homes with little expense. Initially Christmas lights were such a high expense that only commercial owners and the government could afford to light up their properties.
Christmas Tree Light
Currently there are many varieties and types of Christmas tree lights. They come in assorted sizes, shapes, colours, textures, lengths, and purposes. Christmas tree lights now come in two different types of bulbs: the traditional incandescent bulbs and the newer LED lights.
Christmas Tree Light
The incandescent bulbs rely on a filament to keep them lit and that produces the problem; these types of bulbs break easily and don't last very long. The newer LED lights don't have a filament inside and though they are more expensive in the initial purchase the long term savings on power and bulbs is long lasting. Another plus to purchasing the newer LED lights is that if one bulb breaks the entire string of lights doesn't go out. Only the broken bulb is affected.
Christmas Tree Light
The original colour of Christmas tree lights was just white. There are multiple choices of lights available now. The usual choices are white, red, yellow, blue and green, though with a little work you can also find pink, orange and purple. The sizes vary too; miniature, large, large globe and traditional. The shapes are no longer just one choice either. Today you can find the traditional shape of an artificial flame; novelty shapes such as candy canes, miniature snowmen, and snowflakes; be on the lookout for new shapes coming out each year, too.
Christmas Tree Light
After all this talk about Christmas - it is time to get out there and have some fun and decorate with Christmas lights!
Christmas Tree Light
For many people the particular Christmas season is the most anticipated time of the year. The practices including giving and accepting gifts along with adorning the Holiday tree with sparkly decorative ornaments are usually long awaited. To that particular end, there's a way particularly that will result in the giving of gifts practice and the tree decorating method much more unique, providing customized Xmas ornaments to people individuals that you cherish. This may let them have the memory in which continues giving every year.
Christmas Tree Decoration
Personalized Christmas ornaments have some benefits that make all of them a very unique present. To start, if you provide somebody a personalized Xmas gift you are naturally becoming very innovative. These personalized gifts each require your consideration for a time frame in order to make it as unique as you possibly can. Think it over like this. If you wish to obtain personalized Xmas decorations for your buddy as well as cousin you are going to have to take the time to make sure that each decoration is actually unique. Given that they most likely have got different needs and wants, you are likely to must be very innovative throughout the approach in order to ensure that every ornament is properly customized.
Christmas Tree Decoration
There is, nevertheless, a broad selection of ornaments available to select from which can be customized. In addition, this technique can be very fun if you are imaginative. Choose an ornament that records exactly what the individual you might be giving it to is about. For example, if you want to give customized Holiday decorations to your younger siblings and they're sports activities fans you can get them an ornament for their preferred sport that's personalized. A great idea, as an example, should be to select any baseball player decoration if they're in to this kind of sports activity. Around the back of the player's shirt you can put your own brother's name on it. Not only might that be entertaining to generate but it is really innovative and personal.
Christmas Tree Decoration
Lots of people which can be into individualized Holiday ornaments prefer to make them at home instead of buying them in a retailer. Customizing the ornaments at home is a good way to ensure the ornaments are usually exactly how you'd like them. Nevertheless, it could take lots of time along with more money. In order to personalize the Xmas ornament from home you need to reserve a big block of your time to accomplish the job depending on how difficult it's. Also, you will need to choose the products essential to complete the actual modification. Examples of materials can include things such as fresh paint, brushes, guns and also adhesive.
Christmas Tree Decoration
On the other hand, customized Holiday ornaments can be extremely easy to purchase. There are numerous websites around that allow you to buy the actual decorations that you would like and also customize them from the comfort of the comfort of your very own home. This is a very convenient method to Xmas shop for lots of people because the time frame necessary to buy the customized Holiday gifts is lowered by 50 percent when you purchase on the internet. You can still supply the same amount of thought to the particular ornaments; nonetheless, you aren't stuck with the irritation of traveling towards the store as well as waiting around in lines to be served or even having to find the time to make it in the home.
Christmas Tree Decoration
With the holidays just around the corner, many people are beginning to bring out the old boxes of Christmas decorations to adorn their homes for the holiday season. This year, instead of putting out the same old decorations that you've used many times over, think of cool new ways to update your Christmas decorations.
Christmas Tree Decoration
Updating your Christmas decorations is easier than you think. Indoor and outdoor decorations available from a number of online merchants can make decorating your home this year a breeze. Choosing new products can also help you pick out decorations that complement each other and match, making your decor look cohesive and well thought out.
Christmas Tree Decoration
The first way that you can update your Christmas decorations is to purchase cute holiday rugs and towels to accent your decor. Choose rugs that complement each other for your front door, kitchen sink, bathroom and more. Also choose holiday-themed towels for your kitchen and bathroom that will carry the Christmas theme throughout your home. Towels and rugs with snowmen, snowflakes, Christmas trees, poinsettias and more make great additions to any holiday decor.
Christmas Tree Decoration
Another easy tip for updating your Christmas decorations is to purchase a new wreath for your front door or mantle. Christmas wreaths make classy focal points that complement Christmas trees. Pick a wreath that has a beautiful bow and some other tasteful decorations to add an extra touch of holiday spirit to your decor. You can choose a decorative, fake wreath that will keep for years, or a fresh wreath that you can display for the month of December and a few weeks after, depending on the type and care needed.
Christmas Tree Decoration
Indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations can also add elegance and holiday cheer to your home. From outdoor lights and simple lawn decorations to indoor small decor pieces, you can easily update your Christmas decorations with a few new pieces. Choose places in your home to add a holiday splash, like bookshelves, coffee tables, dressers, end tables and shelves. Small decorations to adorn these places include holiday candles, nutcracker statues, holiday figurines, nativity sets and garlands. You can also get some great holiday throw pillows for a couch or chairs.
Christmas Tree Decoration
The main focal point of the holiday season in any home is normally the Christmas tree, so updating your Christmas decorations for your tree can really bring a whole new life to holiday season. Sparkly new lights, a few new Christmas ornaments, and a new tree topper are just some ideas of how you can update your Christmas tree. Whether you use an artificial tree or a real tree, ornaments are often the most talked about Christmas decoration each year. Another idea is to purchase a beautiful tree skirt that matches the rest of your holiday decor to really showcase your tree.
Christmas Tree Decoration
Incorporate some of these ideas for updating your Christmas decorations and you'll be well on your way to a happy and beautiful holiday season. Simple updates like holiday accent pillows, a new holiday figurine or holiday mugs in your kitchen can really make a difference in your holiday decor.
Christmas Tree Decoration
The concept of decorating a tree with ornaments for Christmas is not a new tradition. In fact, Christmas ornaments date back to 16th Century Germany. This concept remained exclusively within Germany for quite a while. The first tree ornaments in Germany were candles, used by Martin Luther to entertain and delight his children.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Other Christmas ornaments of this time (after the introduction of the candle as an ornament) were paper flowers, candy, hard cookies, fruit, and tinsel made of silver, tin, and other shiny materials. Since then, the Christmas ornament has obviously changed a lot - perhaps due to the safety concerns of hanging candles on a flammable tree that is surrounded by children. Ornaments have always been beautiful creations proudly displayed on a tree for all to marvel at.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Throughout the 1800s, beautiful glass ornaments gained popularity in Europe and the United States. Queen Victoria and Price Albert brought the idea of the Christmas ornament from Germany to England in 1840. In addition to the German glass ornaments, beads, paper baskets containing sugared almonds and other nuts, and vibrant hot air balloons decorated Christmas trees throughout England. These German hand-blown glass tree ornaments became a spectacular representation of Christmas and finally made their way to the United States in 1880, sold exclusively at Woolworth. By 1880, American families were decorating Christmas trees in a similar way that we do today.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
In 1973, Hallmark introduced the concept of collectible Christmas ornaments, further broadening the concept of the Christmas ornament. Soon, collectible Santas and other traditional Christmas characters like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman became familiar sights on American Christmas trees. Since Hallmark's introduction of collectible ornaments in 1973, people began collecting and giving collectible Christmas ornaments as gifts for the holiday season.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
These Hallmark ornament collections started out as glass and yarn creations, but slowly expanded to include acrylic, wood, metal, porcelain, and intricate handmade items in every shape or figure imaginable. Still though, collectible Santas remain among the most popular theme for an ornament, regardless of the materials used to construct him. Santa has been and probably always will be a lasting symbol of Christmas for people around the world.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
The tradition of Christmas themed ornaments is a great way to celebrate the holiday season and spend time with family while decorating the tree. This is a tradition that isn't likely to die out anytime soon.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Choosing how to honor the memory of a loved one at Christmas time can be difficult. An appropriate gift during the holidays would be a memorial Christmas tree ornament. Some people may not even consider giving such a gift as they have conflicting emotions about it. There may be concern that the joyous Christmas season may somehow be muted by the reminder of the deceased loved one among the festive holiday decorations. While such concern is understandable, when consideration is given to the colorful legends of the origin of the Christmas tree and its' decorations, the suitability of a memorial ornament may be better appreciated.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
No one can say for sure where the concept of a "Christmas Tree" first developed. Some say it is based on the famous "Tree of Knowledge" in the Garden of Eden. Others point to the use of evergreens in ancient Rome for the holiday of Saturnalia that would end in the final week of December. Another possible explanation for the use of a tree at Christmas is because it represents the wood of the Crucifix. On a similar note, St. Boniface of Germany is said to have endorsed the use of fir trees as their triangular shape reflected that of the Holy Trinity.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Unlike the Christmas tree, the history behind the ornaments that adorn it is slightly less convoluted. German Christians are believed to have started the custom of taking a Christmas tree, which traditionally had been outside, inside their home and decorating it with small baked goods, strings of nuts and paper streamers. Soon, German artisans began creating more ornate decorations that were either carved or blown from glass. The German practice of collecting such treasured family keepsakes at Christmastime is now a tradition for families around the world.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
So what does a Christmas tree and the ornaments upon it represent to us today? Many people think that the tree itself reflects our belief that even in the cold and dark seasons of our lives, we rejoice in the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The decorations we place upon it, from the antique imported glass blown bulbs passed on from generation to generation to the handmade paper mache star made by a young child, represent our thanks and celebration of God's blessings. A memorial Christmas ornament will be a joyful reminder of God's promise of eternal life.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
A memorial ornament, with a picture of the loved one who is spending Christmas in heaven, will be a welcome addition to any tree. Such a gift will be appreciated, not only when first given but for years afterwards, as it becomes part of a family's Christmas tradition.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, a time of giving and a time of enjoying the holidays. No Christmas is complete without a pine tree. It is the standard symbol of the occasion and people invest a lot of time and money looking for the perfect tree for their home. Real Christmas trees are tough for the environment as they involve cutting down a tree which means carbon dioxide is not absorbed from the air as it should. Real Christmas trees are also very expensive and inconvenient as the bristles fall naturally and one has to keep the area clean always.
Artificial Christmas Tree
An artificial tree is a better option as it can be used over and over again every year while still having the brand new look when it was first bought. Times are tough in this economy so there is no need to buy a real tree every year and spend hundreds of dollars when an artificial one can be recycled for use. An artificial tree is also cost effective as it does not need to be watered and once bought it does not need to be transferred from place to place as with a real tree. Artificial trees can be kept up as long as possible for those who are attached to the holidays but real ones rot and may have to be taken down immediately after the holiday season.
Artificial Christmas Tree
Artificial trees however are said to have a negative impact on the environment. They are usually made of PVC and metals. The plastic is not bio degradable and thus leaves a large carbon footprint as it waits to decompose. Real Christmas trees are currently recycled to reduce cutting down of fresh trees. It has been said that each real tree provides oxygen for about eighteen people. The process which is called treecycling involves returning the tree to the environment and using its parts for manure and gardening. As much as artificial trees offer convenience, real Christmas trees offer jobs for thousands of Americans compared to the artificial ones.
Artificial Christmas Tree
Buying a fake tree is cost effective and the money saved can be used to buy more Christmas presents for the family or even add more decoration to the home. Artificial trees are also adored for not causing allergies like the real Christmas trees do. When buying fake trees, one does not need to have a car with them. They are packaged in a way that allows them to be light and portable. The con to an artificial Christmas tree is that it has that fake and wannabe look for a fake tree that would make people wonder if money was the problem in selecting such a tree. Artificial Christmas trees unlike the real trees offer more choices when it comes to the colors, sizes and shapes. One can also customize their artificial Christmas tree to suit the décor of their home. The petroleum in the artificial tree is not biodegradable and so may have that gas smell that can be a turn off to guests at the Christmas party.
Artificial Christmas Tree
Let me first admit that I've done the natural Christmas tree tradition and it's wonderful. It's truly memorable to go select a tree, cut it down, take it home, and decorate it. I remember that fondly as a young boy. As a parent, I had to face the other aspect of it which is clean up, namely the pine needles. I've lost a vacuum hose to it as anyone who's tried clean up with it will attest: pine needles clog hoses. Artificial Christmas trees combine the best allure of a natural tree with the benefits of longevity and, yes, cleanup.
Artificial Christmas Tree
Everyone should try going natural to begin with to experience that particular joy and later gravitate to artificial as your tastes evolve. Trust me, your tastes in trees will definitely evolve. Now, I'm presuming that if you're interested in artificial Christmas trees you're targeting replacements to the traditional family tree where the Christmas gifts will be placed. I won't deal with the smaller decorative types used to spread the Christmas spirit around the house. Nor am I presuming you'll go for a cheap plastic toy at under $100 as they don't hold up well over time and end up being messy with their "pine" needles. Also, such trees make as grand a statement as a used Yugo on Wall Street.
Artificial Christmas Tree
The world of artificial Christmas trees goes far beyond the shades of green pine needles that natural trees offer. With the artificial variety, you can choose among colors such as traditional garden varieties of pine green, but also blue, red, magenta, sky blue, snow white, clear (for magnification of tree lights), color swirls for a upscale jazzed up appearance and that's just speaking of the color of the needles. I find that colors affect my mood and so a well-selected tree color can ensure the location of your tree becomes not only the center of attention but the source of the ambiance of your choosing.
Artificial Christmas Tree
Can you guarantee that with your garden variety natural tree? Now, artificial trees vary by size and shape as well. You can find models that are several feet in height or gigantic at over 16 feet. The size variations also extend to the branches and pine needles. The branches can be nicely symmetrical with the biggest branches at the base and progressively smaller to the top. Alternatively, they can vary in the way natural trees do which gives a more realistic appearance. You can find trees with the trunk looking like a real tree. Artificial trees come in quality molded plastic which gives it that life like appearance. Even the pine needles can come in varieties such as those found in fir, spruce, or cypress Christmas trees. Now, if you so fancy, you can buy trees that are pre-lit with varieties as abundant as the colors listed above. The lights can come pre-attached to the branches for symmetrical lighting or where you place the lights at your discretion.
Artificial Christmas Tree
So you've made the decision; you don't want to deal with the hassle of a real Christmas tree. There are so many reasons why you should make the switch to artificial:
Artificial Christmas Tree
Fire hazard. Real trees tend to dry out very quickly if you don't keep watering the base. When they dry, they are then quite flammable. There are hundreds of fires every year around the United States that are caused by real Christmas trees.
Artificial Christmas Tree
You can use the same tree over and over. Instead of spending the money on a real tree every year why not buy an artificial tree and use it year after year? To me, it's a no-brainer.
Artificial Christmas Tree
OK, so you've bought that beautiful new artificial Christmas Tree. What's the first thing you do? My advice is to be careful opening the box, and take care to lay out each individual piece. You want to make sure that everything is in the box; there is nothing worse than trying to put a whole tree together, and a piece is missing. Remember to be organized, and be very gentle in taking the pieces out of the box, as they can be easily damaged.
Artificial Christmas Tree
Make sure that when you shape your tree that you have one branch up, and two branches down. That will give you the desired look that you want. I hope this advice is helpful; have a great Christmas!
