Hey everyone, is your Christmas tree up yet? Of course not everyone celebrates Christmas, but for the people who do it's a nice time, religious or not it's extra time to spend with your family and loved ones and we have to make sure no one is alone with Christmas, I think this is important for the elderly family members who already lost their partner because it's a time their loss feels even greater during the holiday seasons.

To be fair, I don't like Christmas at all because it involves social visits as well and I'm well.. socially awkward 😅 , but I enjoy seeing my kids enjoy setting up the Christmas tree together with my wife and spend extra time with them, and seeing them happy when the lights in the tree turn on when it's getting dark.

So.. it's not hard to predict what my nickname around this time of the year is, right?

Some history..

So, making posts like these have some benefits other than I just enjoy making content.. I was curious about how bringing a tree inside your house and decorate is became a tradition, so I'll share this with you. 🙂

The tradition of bringing a Christmas tree into your home dates back hundreds of years. It started in Germany during the 16th century when Christians decorated fir trees to celebrate the holiday. Some people even built wooden pyramids and adorned them with evergreens and candles if trees weren’t available.

The idea spread across Europe and eventually to America in the 19th century, thanks to German immigrants. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert made Christmas trees even more popular when a picture of their decorated tree appeared in a London newspaper in 1848. People loved the idea, and the trend caught on worldwide.

Today, Christmas trees are a symbol of joy and togetherness. Families gather to decorate them with lights, ornaments, and tinsel, bringing holiday cheer into their homes. Whether real or artificial, the Christmas tree remains a beloved centerpiece of holiday celebrations!

Real or fake?

A real tree has it's pros and cons just like with everything, for a couple of years now we have chosen a fake tree with lights built in so we don't have to deal with the two worst things: falling needles and tangled wires 😅
Also in the long run it's cheaper to re-use the fake tree.

Pros and Cons of Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees

Real Christmas Trees

Pros:

• Authenticity: Brings the natural look, scent, and feel of Christmas into your home.

• Eco-friendly (if sourced sustainably): Biodegradable and supports tree farming, which can absorb CO2 during growth.

• Tradition: The experience of picking out a real tree can be a cherished holiday ritual.
  Cons:

• Maintenance: Requires regular watering and cleanup of fallen needles.

• Short lifespan: Lasts only for the holiday season before needing disposal.

• Allergies: Can trigger reactions in those sensitive to pine or mold spores.

• Environmental impact (if not sourced sustainably): Transportation and improper disposal can offset eco-benefits.

Fake Christmas Trees

Pros:

• Re usability: Can be used year after year, making it cost-effective in the long run.
• Low maintenance: No need for watering or cleanup of needles.
• Customizable options: Available in various sizes, colors, and styles to suit any decor.

Cons:

• Environmental impact: Made of non-biodegradable materials like PVC, with a high carbon footprint during manufacturing.
• Storage: Requires space to store between seasons.
• Lacks authenticity: Doesn't provide the natural look, scent, or feel of a real tree.

Choosing between real and fake often depends on personal preferences, environmental values, and practicality.

Show me yours and I'll show you mine!

So, compliments to my wife and two daughters for decorating the tree, I didn't have any part in it besides showing their work with all of you.

So, this is it for today, thanks for hopping by and happy holidays to you and your loved ones!