Great Chitter Chatter - Stories from Loud Voices

The Christmas tree is a symbol of the holiday season for 33 million American households each year. Some people choose to buy their tree from the store, but many families enjoy “hunting” down that perfect tree and spending time together as a family placing the Christmas ornaments on the branches. There are many different types of tree to choose from and countless ways to decorate, as well as ways to protect you and your family from fire this Christmas.

Perhaps you’re thinking about getting a real tree this holiday season. There’s nothing like the fragrance and natural beauty of a tree in your own home. Firs are one of the most popular types of Christmas trees, yet there are many varieties to choose from. The Fraser Fir makes the perfect tree with 1″ silvery needles that are soft to the touch and held on widely spaced, sturdy branches, making it easy to decorate. The Noble Fir is a deep green, with sturdy branches and soft needles; used for making the ideal Christmas wreath too. The Grand Fir is a glossy dark green, with slightly longer needles but the branches may not hold some of the heavier ornaments. Many people like the Balsam Fir for its fragrance, its nice form and its dark green color, even though it also will not hold some of the heavier ornaments. Similarly, the Douglas-firs have a wonderful fragrance, soft shiny bluish-green needles, good needle retention and the perfect conical shape, which may be tricky for fitting decorations.

There are many ways to decorate a Christmas tree, which is usually based on personal preference and style. However, if you’d like some traditional decorating tips for your tree, then you may want to follow a theme like country, Victorian or family style. The country tree is short, full and stout. Old-fashioned, egg-shaped red and green lights are the most popular, although blue and yellow lights are okay too. Rustic ornaments made of wood, tin, velvet, ribbon, glass and tinsel may then be added, with a star to top it off. By contrast, the tall, slender Victorian tree uses themes such as angels, animals, birds or musical instruments. Ornaments are usually small, made of tin or glass and colored blue, lavender, pink or gold. Lastly, the family Christmas trees showcase real characters, using all homemade ornaments and decorations like strung-popcorn, homemade gingerbread men, candy canes and a hodge podge of flashing lights.

If you are one of the 33 million American homes with a natural Christmas tree in your home, then be careful to practice safety this Christmas. Each year there are over 200 fires caused by real and artificial Christmas trees, resulting in 24 deaths, 27 injuries and $13.3 million in property damage. Half of all Christmas tree fires result from electrical malfunction, 27% from a nearby heat source and 5% from children playing with fire or other heat sources. By taking proper precautions this Christmas, such as throwing out faulty, frayed electrical lights, as well as keeping your tree watered and away from heat sources, you’ll ensure a happy holiday.