'O Christmas tree ...'
Buying a Christmas tree and decorating it can make a world of difference to your home, as it adds to the spirit of Christmas. Long before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees that remained green all year had a special meaning for people in the winter.
Just as you decorate your homes during the festive season with pine, spruce and fir trees, people in olden days hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows.
In many countries it was believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits and illness.
"It is important to decorate the Christmas tree because at this time of year, it adds to the whole feeling of Christmas, and helps one to feel a sense of relief in looking at a well-decorated Christmas tree," said Stephen McDonald at Pablos.
Cost of trees
The cost of Christmas trees may vary depending on colour, type, size and the sturdiness of the tree base.
Natural Christmas trees which come in small seedlings in pots can be planted at home
- Cypress, 15-18 inch, cost $100 each
- Willow, 12-18 inch, cost $50 each
Christmas trees
- Arvorvitahe (normally circumposed), 10 inches, costs $1,400 plus tax
- Italian cypress, six inches, costs $940 plus tax.
Artificial Christmas Trees:
Northern pine, 6 ft up, costs $5,300-$15,040 plus tax.
- Christmas trees with cones 7-8 ft cost from $3,500 to $4,500 plus tax.
- White artificial trees, 6-8 ft, cost $3195-$5,400 plus tax.
- Other four-foot trees cost $2,200, including tax.
Things to consider when purchasing decorations and lighting for the Christmas tree.
- Theme for Christmas tree.
- Choice of decorations and lighting (ornaments including balls, strings, stars, pepper lights, angels, tree toppers, bows, and pepper lights etc.).
- Colour scheme.
- Floor space.
- Tree size and height.
- Cost of ornaments range from $30 up, and lighting from $100 up. (N.B.: For some businesses, tax may already be included in prices.)
Decorating your tree
- Find a location in the home suitable to place Christmas tree.
- Have a theme with lights.
- Assemble tree by turning down the bottom branches.
- Use glittered decorations to enhance the tree.
- Place bows in a sequential way like on the right side to the front of the tree.
- Open leaves properly, then test light to see if they are working properly.
- Put lights from bottom up.
- If using a green tree, use green string pepper lights.
- It is important to use lights that blend in with the colour of the tree.
- If you are decorating a house tree, it is always best to use multi-coloured ornaments.
- Use ornaments from different angles starting from foreside.
- Have children participate in this event to get them involved in the spirit of Christmas.
Places to purchase your Christmas trees, lighting and decorations
- MegaMart stores
- Wholesales islandwide
- Woolworth stores
- Khemlani Mart
- Azan stores
- Amart
- Ace Super Centre
Good to remember
While it's easy to become overwhelmed, try not to get caught up in all the anxiety and pressure that can come with the holidays. Relax and follow these healthy tips for the holiday party.
- Skip or minimise the gravy and high-calorie condiments.
- If invited to a potluck, opt to bring a low-fat, low-calorie dish you know you will enjoy.
- Never arrive at a party on an empty stomach; you are more likely to overeat. Eat a salad, light soup, fruit, and vegetable or protein snack.
- Space out party beverages and drink water between your party drinks.
- Avoid heaping spoonfuls and control your food portions.
DID YOU KNOW? The first Christmas tree was decorated at Riga in Latvia in 1510 in the early 16th century.