When Christmas approaches, many people start the search for this year's Christmas tree. When it comes to Christmas decorations, the tree is usually the centerpiece. Some prefer noble fir, while others want the scent of regular pine in the living room. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different options available, what sets them apart, and how you can choose the Christmas tree that fits best in your home.
Artificial or real Christmas tree?
When choosing a Christmas tree, the first decision is usually between artificial or real. Those who choose artificial Christmas trees often do so because you can use the same tree year after year. It is both convenient and practical, and these days there is a wide variety of artificial trees available - many of them very lifelike. With an artificial Christmas tree, you also avoid watering and pine needles on the floor. For allergy sufferers, an artificial Christmas tree is usually the best choice.
Choosing a real Christmas tree usually revolves around tradition, memories, and aesthetics - the smell of a real Christmas tree can also help create a Christmas atmosphere in the home.
Remember this when you are buying a Christmas tree
- Height
It is important that the Christmas tree has room to stand straight and not touch the ceiling. What is the ceiling height where the tree will stand? And how tall is the Christmas tree you are considering buying? How much taller will the tree be with a star on top? It is important to consider this before making a purchase. You should have 20-40 cm clearance between the top of the tree and the ceiling to make sure the top star fits and it doesn't look too crowded. - Width
The width of the tree also plays a role. If you usually walk around the Christmas tree, it is important that you have enough space to do so. - Christmas spirit
Different Christmas trees give different impressions and evoke different feelings. Let's take two examples: The spruce has long needles that are softer than those of a regular fir tree. The conical shape and sturdy branches make it easy to decorate the tree, and it can withstand heavy Christmas decorations. The traditional fir tree has shorter and sharper needles, but at the same time dense and sturdy branches that are easy to decorate. The fir tree also smells very good - for many, the scent of fir is synonymous with Christmas. - Color
Most Christmas trees are green, but there are also artificial Christmas trees in white, pink, and other colors that can be fun alternatives, for example in a child's room. But even among the green Christmas trees, there are variations. A blue spruce has a bluish hue, while a spruce (also known as a silver fir) has a silver hue on the underside of the needles, which can give a slightly glittering effect. A regular fir tree has a clear green color.
Christmas tree with lights
An artificial Christmas tree with integrated lighting is perfect if you're not too fond of putting on Christmas tree lights year after year. With the lights in place, you can spend your time and effort decorating the tree with Christmas baubles and other ornaments instead. We have a wide selection of artificial Christmas trees with lighting.
If you choose a real Christmas tree, the next decision will be to decide on the type. There are actually many different types of firs.
- Common Spruce
The traditional common spruce bears the Latin name Picea abies. The color of the quite short and pointed needles is a clear green. It requires more water and loses needles faster than a fir tree. At the same time, the common spruce is an affordable and sturdy Christmas tree that smells good of needles. The smell of Christmas is an important reason why the common spruce is still the top choice for many when it comes to Christmas trees. - Noble Fir
A luxurious alternative to the common spruce is the majestic noble fir (Abies nordmanniana), a type of fir tree that is both robust and hardy. It requires less water than the common spruce, and it holds onto its needles longer. However, the smell of the noble fir is less prominent and it can be a bit citrusy. But if you want a true Disney tree, the noble fir is the one to go for. - Rocky Mountain Fir
The Rocky Mountain fir (Abies lasiocarpa) is a densely growing, yet quite narrow, conical Christmas tree with sturdy branches that grow in the noble fir's characteristic spiral form. The needles are short but close together, making the tree appear dense and majestic. The Rocky Mountain fir has a blue-green color and keeps its needles for a long time. - Norfolk Island Pine
Another, slightly more unique, type of fir tree is the Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla). This is a popular houseplant year-round, but especially in November and December. A smaller Norfolk Island pine can be very stylish as a small Christmas tree that you can decorate and place on a stool or table. Larger varieties of Norfolk Island pine look great on the floor. When Christmas is over, you can take off the decorations and keep the Norfolk Island pine as a decorative plant in the home.