BRANCHING OUT
O Tannenbaum: Traditions take many forms
Since I was young, the Christmas tree has always been the icon of the holidays for me. Not for the potential of gifts that might end up under the tree Christmas morning, but for the pomp and circumstance of putting up the tree and the evening when we would string it with coloured lights and all the special ornaments, so many of which brought back memories of our family's past holidays. Plus, when the tree was decorated, the holidays could begin.
The significance and style of your Christmas tree is personal. For some it has religious meaning, and for others, a place where Santa leaves gifts. Whether your tree is real, artificial, large or small, I've come up with a few ways for everyone to celebrate the tree, whatever your tradition.
AIN'T NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING — OR NOT?
Year after year, there seems to be a continuing debate on whether a real tree is better than an artificial one. Purists say that a real tree can never be beat — the fresh smell, the imperfection of shape and the ability to give back to the earth once Christmas is finished are all attributes. The realist will say an everlasting tree can give years and years of holiday pleasure with the guarantee of the perfect shape, colour and size.
I tend to be caught in the middle — I love the romance of a real tree but also see the practicality of the artificial. With technology and manufacturing advancements, artificial trees are looking more realistic every year.
One of the most impressive everlasting holiday trees for 2022 is the CANVAS Piedmont 7.5-ft Fir Christmas Tree found at Canadian Tire. It's pre-lit with 1,000 glowing bright micro LED lights, which stay cool to the touch and use very little energy.
If I choose a real tree this year, it will be shorter in height and be potted — that way it can live outside after the holidays. I'll place it on a low, draped table to give it height and presence in the living room.
THE ALTERNATIVES
For those who don't want the bother of setting up a real or artificial Christmas tree or live in a smaller home and can't afford to sacrifice valuable floor space, consider alternative ways to enjoy the magic of the tree.
Smaller tabletop trees keep the tree off the floor and give it good height for viewing pleasure.
If you have exceptionally high ceilings, you can hang an upsidedown artificial tree (available at big home retailers) — think of it as an upside-down green chandelier.
Want to go smaller? Buy a row of fresh potted 12-inch trees and line them across the mantle or group them like a mini forest on your coffee table. Even lining them up on the dining table could be pretty with small LED candles and some tiny ornaments displayed.
Got a techie or creative budding builder in the family? How about building your own? The Lego Christmas Tree is a 784-piece kit that assembles into an 11-inch decorated tree. The kit can also make two smaller trees and is suitable for builders 12 and up. At the end of the holidays dismantle it, then plan the buildit challenge again next year. Now, that's creating a real tradition!
Only have wall space? Use wipeable acrylic paint and sketch a Grinchy-style tree design over a large mirror or a glass picture window, then frame your creation with some colourful tree lights.