Here are a few things to consider when deciding which form of Christmas tree would be best suited for you and your family:

Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial trees eliminate the hassle of having to find time to go and specially choose a Christmas tree from the lot.

Another great thing about artificial trees is they do not need to be watered and the needles will not fall off and create a mess in your house.

The money you will save by purchasing an artificial Christmas tree can be spent on more presents for your children or possibly other forms of decorations.

Artificial Christmas trees can be put up earlier and stay up longer than real Christmas trees.

This type of tree is less of a fire hazard because the needles are not real.

Real Christmas Trees

Real Christmas trees look more attractive and have a fragrance like pine needles. Some families live for the smell of their tree at Christmas time.

It is tradition for a number of families to go cut the tree. It’s a family outing where you go and specifically choose the one you want every year.

Real Christmas trees pose a fire hazard when the branches become dry and hot from the Christmas lights.

Real Christmas trees have to be maintained and well-kept. This includes watering and removing the dead needles which have fallen under the tree.

Ultimately the decision is yours and you will choose the kind of tree that best suits your family and your preferences. If you want a tree which requires very little maintenance then maybe an artificial one would be better suited for you.

Your Christmas will be wonderful regardless of the type of tree you choose because this holiday is about loving, giving and being thankful for what you have.

Catherine Spelling is a retired interior designer who now uses her decorating talents to make holidays an eye catching event. She is a freelance writer for http://www.christmaslightsanddecorations.com – a site that offers tips for choosing [http://www.christmaslightsanddecorations.com/collectible-christmas-ornaments.aspx]Christmas ornaments, picking out [http://www.christmaslightsanddecorations.com/]Christmas lights and decorations, tips for choosing holiday wreaths, and more.

The most basic criteria is applied by everyone: size. Some will want a small tree and others a larger one. Part of that decision is based on the space selected to house the tree at home. But keep in mind that a larger tree will be more difficult to transport without damage.

Much of the drying out, branch-breaking and other problems that happen to trees are the result of the way they’re taken home. High wind speeds from carrying the tree uncovered on the roof of the car or in the back of a pickup truck can dry out a tree to dangerous levels. It’s always much harder to re-moisturize a tree than to keep it fresh for the trip. Cover it well before driving.

One way to avoid that problem is to buy a tree online. Still unusual, this practice is growing. It’s estimated that over 300,000 homes bought a tree online last year. They arrive fresh if they’re transported by a reputable service.

But before you can get it home, you have to pick one out.

Species selection is the first step when you’re on the lot or at a tree farm, or even shopping online. Frasier fir and white pine have excellent needle retention. Scotch Pine is just as good. All smell great inside the home. Norway Spruce is lovely, but they’re less expensive because they tend to shed needles more readily, even if they’re well watered.

Scotch Pine has a beautiful bright green shade, while Douglas fir is more blue-green in appearance. White Pine has long, green needles that come in bunches of five. Spruce needles are shorter and the tree has a ‘bushier’ appearance. Only individual taste can guide you here.

To test whether the tree is fresh is simple if the tree isn’t wrapped. Just take the upper trunk and tap the tree gently on the ground. Judge how many needles fall down. A few is normal. But a substantial number of needles indicates a tree that is already dry.

Re-moisturizing it at home won’t usually help, since the tree is often too far gone at that stage. If you want something inexpensive that will only last a week or two, it might be worthwhile. Otherwise, keep looking.

Buying from a lot is less expensive and more convenient for most people. But a trip to the tree farm can net you a wider selection of fresh trees. It also makes for a delightful memory for the whole family. You can get a tree cut right at the time of purchase and kids will enjoy wandering around the forest.

Most people seek a tree that is even and full. But if you plan to put the tree into a corner, some flaws on one side might well be acceptable and provide a bargain. Those spaces can also be filled with larger ornaments to flesh them out. Here, only personal taste can rule.

When you’re ready to mount it, just slice an inch off the bottom and you’re ready to go.

Advantages of Artificial Christmas Trees

One of the major advantages is that artificial Christmas trees do not lose their needles indoors. At least not like a live tree. So you won’t have to worry about cleaning up a big mess of pine needles once Christmastime is over. As well you can avoid any sticky encounters with sap.  There’s no need to water your artificial Christmas tree so you will have less hassle to add on to your already full holiday to-do list.

Artificial Christmas trees are also much safer overall to have in your home. As real trees dry out, they become a fire hazard. Most artificial Christmas trees are even created from flame resistant materials for added safety.

You also get a lot more variety with articifial Christmas trees. Regardless of what particular tree is your favorite, you will be able to find it in artificial form. Thin or fat, tall or short, along with various evergreen varieties, it is probably available. You can even buy artificial trees that come with lights or music built right in! You cannot get that with real trees.

Disadvantages of Artificial Christmas Trees

There are certain disadvantages to the fake Christmas trees, however, such as the fact that they are more expensive. Although you do get to reuse them year after year, and so technically they cost you less each season of use, up front the price tag that you are going to have to pay is going to be much steeper than for a real Christmas tree.

Real trees fit in with the current trend for domestic naturalism. Some local governments even collect trees at the end of the holiday season and turn them into mulch for their citizens to use free of charge.

The evergreen tree in particular has long been a pagan symbol of rebirth related specifically to the winter solstice, while some Christians say that pine represents the tree of the cross.

As well there is the fact that Christmas just feels like Christmas when you have a real live Christmas tree in your home. Real trees were used in the beginning, and some families are determined to keep this tradition alive by getting a real tree every Christmas. The smell of a live Christmas tree is a precious memory for many folks.