In the early 1820s German teacher and composer, Ernst Anschutz , wrote his famous song, “O Tannenbaum.” The English version is:
O Christmas tree, O Christmas Tree,
How steadfast are your branches!
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Your boughs are green in summer’s clime
And through the snows of wintertime.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
How steadfast are your branches!
The Germans were the first to bring a cut tree into the home and decorate it. Later German royalty married British royalty and since the King had a tree, the tree became common place in the homes across England during the Christmas season. Then the tradition was carried across the ocean to America by settlers and spread to the world.
We have romantic images of a huge glittering tree sitting in our home with a roaring crackling fire in the fireplace and snow falling outside the window. Since I retired, I promised myself I would have a cut tree during the holidays and leave the artificial trees in the basement. I’m still digging out needles from my couch cushions and carpet from last Christmas! Every year I make a video for Facebook of me setting up the tree in the tree stand, placing the lights and decorating it. I think the videos resemble an old Abbott and Costello sketch!
The problem with buying a cut tree from a home improvement store or your local nursery is the sad fact the trees have been cut down weeks before they arrive at the stores. If they have been kept cool and not allowed to set out in the sun they should still be fresh. However, this isn’t always the case.
Most trees are grown on farms for the sole purpose to be used as a Christmas tree during the holidays. Some people say they don’t like cutting down trees and feel it is immoral to do so. But it is important to realize these trees are grown as a cash crop like any other agricultural product.
The only way to guarantee a fresh tree is to go to a tree farm and cut one for yourself. Usually these trees are more expensive than the ones purchased at a store or nursery. The family driving to the country to cut their own tree makes for fine holiday memories!
If you choose to buy one at a store, check on how dry the needles are. They should be flexible and not snap when bent. Once home cut at least 2 inches off the bottom of the trunk. After it is placed in the tree stand, keep the basin watered so the tree can be hydrated. You might need to fill the tree stand with water daily.
There is a debate on which evergreen makes the best Christmas tree. It usually comes down to family tradition and personal preference. There are many to choose from. My mom always liked White Pine with its soft needles. Because the branches and needles were so soft it was sometimes difficult to hang the ornaments onto the tree.
My personal choice is the Balsam Fir with its strong pleasing fragrance. If kept well-watered the tree can last up to four weeks in the house. It shares the same issues as the White Pine with flexible needles that can’t hold up to heavy ornaments.
The Scotch Pine is known to keep its needles even when dry. The branches are dense and will hold heavy ornaments. Be aware and careful of its sharp needles!
Growing up, our neighbors with two boys the same age as me and my brother always had a Christmas tree they were very proud of. The tree, perhaps some kind of Fir, had nearly naked branches with short stiff needles. Compared to our full and fluffy looking White Pine, I felt their tree was hideous and ugly!
So, do I wrestle dragging home a cut tree and fight and struggle to fit it in the stand? Or do I drag one of the artificial trees up from the basement? Well, I still have time to figure it out!
