Haul out the holly
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again
Fill up the stocking, I may be rushing things
But deck the halls again now
For we need a little Christmas

- Andy Williams, We Need A Little Christmas

This past weekend, I hauled out the holly and decorated the apartment for Christmas. Normally I wait until the second week of Advent, but this year, the season feels shorter and tighter, so I decided to go forth when I had the time. 

My Christmas tree, an artificial tree, has existed in my home for more years than I can remember. There's a lot of hubbub about artificial trees and their impact on the environment.

Did you know that the first artificial trees were developed in Germany, during the 19th Century? Yep, the dyed goose feathered trees were created to combat against deforestation that was occurring at the time. The tradition traveled to the states and eventually mixed with a preexisting "candle" pyramid tree created by the Moravians. 

It wasn't until the 50s that trees as we know it were manufactured. First aluminum, then PVC, paving the way to the prelit simple trees we have today. I remember our childhood artificial tree. It was a pain in the butt to put up as each colored coded limb had to be connected to the appropriate slot in the appropriate level. Today, my artificial tree has three components that are easy for me to place and remove, storing in a wonderful tree bag. 

Now, if you are against fresh cut trees, then you most likely are a die-hard live cut tree family. In fact, my church has this argument every single year: fresh cut versus artificial. Some say that fresh cut trees are harmful to the environment, while others say it's better because it's not plastic being thrown out.

If you live in NC, then you know that Western NC is home to one of the largest source of fresh cut trees. Here in Wilmington, the tree farms have come in full force and are almost keeping up with the demand. Wishing to support hard hit areas from Hurricane Helene, our supplies are going fast over here on the coast!

I remember my family having a fresh cut tree when I was really young. In fact, I was so young that we still lived in our apartment and hadn't moved to the house yet. I remember the needles being stuck in the carpet and my mother being aggravated for months!

There are definitely disadvantages to a fresh cut tree-the needles, the watering, the potential fire hazard, the removal process (esp in apartments as we can't just throw them to the curb), the creatures that may enter your home hidden away in limbs.

Yet, this tradition has been around for centuries. In fact, it's roots actually hail from an Ancient Egyptian tradition, but there are several medieval traditions that eventually morphed into the tree decorating we have today. It really wasn't until the late 1800s that the tradition spread enough for it to become popular in other countries, like in England and in the US. 

Today, over 25 million trees are sold annually. From tree farms, city tree lots, to hiking out into the woods, trees are cut, sold, and displayed throughout the holiday season. 

Rockefeller center has sported a Christmas Tree since 1931, the White House since 1889, and many families now put their tree up Thanksgiving weekend.

When does your tree go up? 

What does your Christmas tree look like? White lights, colored lights, no lights? Artificial or Fresh Cut? Ornaments, bows, lace, ribbon, popcorn strings, tinsel?