A living tree can add beauty, comfort, and joy to your home this holiday season, and it can provide a home for wildlife for years to come. Learn more reasons to consider a live Christmas tree as well as considerations for having one.
One of the tiniest trees here on the mountain was Little Bear’s first Christmas tree. They were both about the same size that memorable year. Like Little Bear, we hope that spruce will grow big and strong.
Last year, the man of the place brought home a real tree. It was big and beautiful and smelled woodsy and fantastic, but I felt a little sad that such a pretty tree had been cut down.
This year, we chose another living tree, a vibrant and sweet blue spruce that gives me a warm and cozy feeling. Little Bear helped pick it out; it looked the most whimsical and wild. This week, we made memories decorating it, while homemade chocolate chip cookies baked and Frank Sinatra’s Christmas album played.
I will treasure those cozy moments — watching Little Bear play with ornaments and Wilder Baby watching while cuddled in a woven wrap — and remember them each time I see this special spruce in the yard. (I’d love to decorate it yearly with edible garlands for the birds, if it wouldn’t attract the bears.) This Christmas, we’ll enjoy it decorated with ornaments and lights, then hopefully for many years it will live happily on the mountain.
This time of year, we get the best view of nearby mountains, but my eyes are always drawn to the elegant branches of the evergreen trees that reach toward the sky. Whether they are light blue, bright green, or covered in white snow, they seem extra magical during these colder months.
I’m grateful to be able to plant another evergreen tree here. Pines, cypresses, firs — I’m already daydreaming about more.
This particular tree variety grows large and slowly. What a nice reminder to slow down during all the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I look forward to watching this Christmas tree grow along with my kids and our family, season after season.
Why Choose a Real, Live Christmas Tree — 4 Reasons
From making lasting memories to benefiting wildlife, there are several reasons to consider getting a living Christmas tree.
1. Family Memories
Getting a live Christmas tree can be a new family tradition, or it could commemorate a special year.
2. All Natural
You don’t have to hassle with assembling, taking apart, and storing an artificial tree. It’s an eco-friendly alternative with no synthetic materials, off-gassing, or musty smells.
3. Evergreen Benefits
A living tree can be enjoyed for a little while indoors, and then it can be enjoyed outside for decades. It can provide a habitat for wildlife as well as shade, privacy, and fresh oxygen.
4. Beautiful
Beautify your home for the holidays and the land all year round for years to come. The natural beauty of a live tree can bring Christmas cheer to your living room and then make a long-lasting statement on your landscape.
Where to find a Living Christmas Tree
Plant nurseries, tree farms, and garden centers carry a selection of evergreen trees that can be brought indoors for Christmas and replanted after the holidays.
Tips
- Look for a tree that’s native or well-suited to your climate and region.
- Consider how large it may get and a place with proper sunlight and soil that you might plant it.
- Traditional Christmas trees can get incredibly tall and wide, and even the younger, smaller ones can be heavy.
- Choose a tree in good shape — one that is healthy as well as a good fit for your indoor space.
- Gradually transition the tree, so it can better acclimate to its environment.
- Use a plant saucer and keep it in a cool spot with lots of natural light, while the tree is indoors.
- From stringing twinkling fairy lights to hanging handmade ornaments, decorate the tree gently, if you choose to do so.
- Keep it watered.
- Plant it in its permanent home, if temperatures permit, as soon as possible.
Pros and Cons of Having a Living Christmas Tree
A living tree will require more maintenance and they can be more expensive, but I think they are worth the time and monetary investment. I highly recommend speaking to the tree farmer or nursery specialist about the kind of tree you select as well as tree care instructions. Also research the tree variety to learn helpful tips to encourage it to thrive.
Living Tabletop Trees and Other Alternatives
If you don’t have the indoor space or a place to plant a live classic Christmas tree, you can choose another type of potted plant for a touch of natural Christmas decor. Rosemary would look festive; it would also be fragrant and useful in the kitchen.
You could also decorate a favorite houseplant. Alternatively, you could trim a few tree branches to make fresh greenery swags, wreaths, and garlands with bells, bows, berries, and pinecones. (Just know that you may have to clean up dropped needles.)
The True Meaning of Christmas
I hope this post inspires you to bring the beauty of nature indoors this Christmas. Whether your holiday decor is traditional, minimal, or eclectic, a real, live, natural tree will complement it.
As I was writing this, the man of the place and Little Bear were watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” It seemed quite appropriate.
Sure, a real, living Christmas tree is a fun way to celebrate, but like Linus, let’s keep in mind the real reason for the season. To quote a hymn that’s often sung on another holiday (an Easter favorite):
“God sent His son, they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,”
The song continues, “Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
“How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!”
Leave a Reply