Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!
Christmas Trees have long been a fixture of many a household for as long as records began and the traditions of adorning our homes with evergreen trees go back as far as #Yuletide, symbolic of life that continues to persevere even in the darkest, coldest parts of winter.
Within recent memory, we all probably remember those times when we fought over putting the angel on the top of the tree; or the constant clearing up of falling needles. We’ve lived through those trends of angel hair, tinsel, kitsch and fibre optic; to trees that look so perfect you wonder if they are real.
So, with so much baggage that can only befit a bulging, heavily taped Christmas Tree box, where do you start, what traditions are worth keeping and what really works?
(Our tree Christmas 2022)
Here’s my top 4 thoughts on how to enjoy a most splendid tree. Things I've kept and things I've let go as we continue to rebuild life after divorce.
1. When is the right time to put your tree up?
If you’re the kind of person who loves Christmas so much you want it up early (I’ve seen some up in early November), you’re also probably the type of person who takes it down Christmas on Boxing Day. Maybe you’re going away, so want to make the most of it or maybe you just want some extra cheer.
Whatever your motive, you do what makes you happy, the downside is if you want a real tree, you may struggle to get one so early and you may just be sick of the sight of it by Christmas Eve.
Personally, I like to wait until the 1st December and for a number of reasons. Its officially Christmas and it officially kicks off the month. The 1st was also chosen to make the most of real trees (which I will come onto later). Lastly we have many birthdays around this time, so it makes sense to have things up and ready so you can enjoy those special days.
So what the Verdict? We are all busy, we all have lives and there is no right or wrong answer. Just balance the time it takes to put it up, how long you want to have it around for and what life factors give you the breathing space to enjoy it.
2. Real or Artificial?
This year marks the first year where we have not had a real tree. This has been coming for a little while and this year things just came together in a way that meant it made sense to go artificial. I have been conscious that cutting down a tree for our pleasure, for all but a month and just to be discarded (still green), didn’t sit well with me. However, the experience of choosing one, the age-old tradition of bringing it inside, decorating it and paying a charitable donation to have it collected seemed all the worthwhile and I did have to consult the children on the direction this year.
I did however love the idea of renting your real tree and some companies such a Hope Nature Centre give you the opportunity to rent your tree, year after year. You keep your tree indoors for up to 3 weeks and then it gets returned and replanted.
However, this year with mounting costs, especially in my first year of redundancy, I did have to consider how much a real one would be. Historically we have gone with an 8ft plus tree as our ceilings are very high but buying an artificial one has always outweighed the cost of this. This year however, I was rather taken by a 10ft tree by Habitat that was just edging over £100 so I took the punt and bought it as a recurring investment. I’m glad I did as 9ft plus trees were going for £85, together with the £10 collection, I’d almost cleared my initial outlay.
So What’s the Verdict?: Budget and Self Indulgence played a key part for me and with so many options out there, you need to chose a tree that sits comfortably with your circumstances. Personally, I’m happy with my artificial tree this year and its currently on sale at just £50 now. I will never say never to a real tree again, I may just alternative years going forward.
Check out my video decorating the main tree.
3. Decorating Hints and Tips
Decorating a tree can be daunting and we all see those perfect looking trees on social media and this year I was rather amused to find people call themselves 'experts' now. Well, I'm no expert but I do have some handy pointers to share and here are my top six.
Check the lights work before you string them on the tree. Its a rookie mistake when you’ve spent time putting them on, only to find they don’t work! Its also helps to place them strategically where you can see them.
Plan where your decorations are going to go. Place big ornaments at the bottom and small towards the top. Space out groups of same sets of ornaments all around the tree.
Don’t overload. Less isn’t more, that’s for sure, but don’t go overboard and drown your tree. Decorating a tree is as much about adornment as it is aesthetic.
Keep it within your décor or house vibe. We have a traditional ‘Edwardian/Victorian’ vibe in the hallway and my daughter decorates her ‘ice and blue’ more contemporary tree in the living room
Don’t forget to top the tree – Angel or Star, whichever your preference and place a tree skirt at the bottom to finish that off (it also means your presents look nice underneath)
Don’t be afraid to rework parts that don’t work, so let the children have a go, my youngest daughter was fantastic this year, so let them express themselves too! (Besides if all else fails you can always change it later 😊)
What’s the Verdict: Decorations give your tree personality, and it says as much about you as anything else. It's your personality, often your memories so keep it true to you, your family and your home. So if you want fancy a Star Wars themed tree, go for it and may the force be with you.
4. Making Memories
As with a good Christmas Tune, putting the tree up is a timeless, honoured tradition in our house. My mum taught me long ago how to decorate a tree and I still take her lead to this day and in turn handed this down to my children who have taken on this special task with care, diligence and thoughtfulness.
The main tree is about tradition, stability and past happy memories and it stands in the main hallway. I have so many decorations that have been with me from my very first home of my own, with purchases from #ThePier and #JohnLewis still unwrapped wrapped carefully from their tissue and then put away each year for safe keeping. Each year I like to buy something new for the tree and last year was a new angel topper from #TKMAXX.
(right the main tree)
On the main tree I mix and match an eclectic mix with each item having its own story and rightful place. My late nana’s ornament she bought me, asks me to remember her always at Christmas is carefully hung securely, together with my cousins wedding favours and child’s first Christmas decorations.
(left my 'remember me' bear)
My daughter's tree (below) to me represents her growth and desire to be a young woman, with her own personality and dreams. We spent the time together buying the ornaments over the last few years which seems right to chart a new beginning.
What’s the Verdict? Decorating a tree is a magical and integral part of making your home sing memories. Like a mantlepiece, the tree is probably, if not the focal part of your home so why not express that in this way. Christmas trees are about traditions and happy memories so whether you enjoy the decorating process or you love being reacquainted with little gems from your past, bring it all together and enjoy them. (and don’t forget to pass on the tradition for future generations of memories to come).
In Summary
So, whether you have a tabletop or ten-footer, you like the smell and feel of a real tree or like the consistency of artificial, a Christmas tree is a reflection of our personalities, our lifestyles and our traditions and memories. For me there is nothing better than reacquainting yourself with precious gems that come out year after year and that can be enjoyed through the generations.
The key thing is don’t be overburdened by your tree, enjoy the process and enjoy it from tip to toe. All I wish for you is that you will always be in awe of a very welcoming old friend that comes back to visit you each year. Happy Decorating!
I have a little tree that I’ve growing since it came as a gift two Christmases ago. It was from Bloom and wild and came with little baubles, lights and sweets. I aim to keep it growing until I have to plant it outside when it gets too tall 😊