Christmas trees have been popular for centuries. Originally, the custom of decorating evergreen varieties of trees began with ancient pagan customs often related to a yule log. Actual Christmas trees as we know them today started first with wealthy families. The custom of bringing a holiday tree indoors is linked to old German customs.

Today, Christmas trees often represent Christianity with the tree being represented as Christ's cross, or tree, and the lights and decorations representing the resurrection and joy regarding everlasting spiritual life which the Christian faith is built upon. Trees were first decorated with edible fruits, nuts, candles and other items like a hidden pickle. The custom was brought to America possibly in the later part of the 1770's and gained traction in the mid 1850's in wealthy homes.

Christmas trees are now lighted with electric light strands. Artificial holiday trees became popular in the 1960s gaining more converts in recent years. While the first artificial trees were not very realistic in looks, today's versions are much more attractive and natural appearing. These trees may be found in specialty Christmas and holiday decor shops both in physical stores and online shops making shopping a breeze.

Before purchasing your ideal artificial or real tree this holiday season, take time to consider the space limits within your home to ensure that your chosen tree will fit properly. Most live trees used for the Christmas holiday are cut down weeks before they are shipped to local tree retailers. The colder weather often keeps the trees fresher, but a live tree should not be brought indoors too early due to the pine needles drying out and falling off creating a fire risk.

Artificial Christmas trees these days come in lots of sizes, and some are even pre-lit for easy setup and storage later. It is possible to find artificial trees in almost any color and design style. Consumers are urged to begin thinking about tree shopping earlier to ensure enough time to purchase your ideal tree style.

Trees used for holiday decoration include many evergreen choices: balsam, fir, pine species like Virginia or Scotch pine, conifer, various spruces like Norway spruce or blue spruce, Arizona Cyprus and others. Real trees may have limitations on tree varieties due to weather and geographical location differences that may impact proper tree growth.

The best time of the year to buy an artificial Christmas tree is usually during the summer months. More Christmas tree retailers have their best sales during July but look for sales just ahead of the holiday season and immediately after the new year for the best clearance prices.

Other considerations before purchasing a Christmas tree include whether you have pets or small children that may be curious and could cause unwanted damage, how long you will keep your tree up if it is a live tree and budget limitations.