Birthday
HydrangeasThe Christmas tree is the centrepiece of a festive home. Here is where the tradition of decorating it came from, how to choose a real tree that will not shed before the holidays, how to decorate it tastefully and what to use instead if you will not have a real tree.
Festive arrangements with conifer and flowers are available among our flower baskets, and plants in our potted plants section.
Where the tradition came from
Decorated trees for winter festivities are known from the 16th century in German lands: the earliest written mentions point to Alsace, while Riga and Tallinn also claim to be first. In the 19th century the fashion spread across Europe — in Britain it was popularised by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In Ukraine the didukh, a sheaf of wheat, long remained the Christmas symbol, and trees became widespread in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
How to choose a real tree
- Shake the tree or run your hand along a branch: fresh needles hardly fall.
- Branches bend without snapping; the cut trunk shows resin and moist wood.
- Buy from licensed sellers who can document where the tree came from.
- If you plan to plant a potted tree in spring, choose one with a solid root ball.
How to make your tree last
- Recut 2–3 cm from the trunk before setting it up and place it straight into a stand with water.
- Top up the water daily: in the first days a tree can drink 1–2 litres.
- Keep the tree away from radiators, fireplaces and underfloor heating.
- Bring a potted tree indoors gradually and keep it in the warm for no more than 7–10 days.
With good care a real spruce lasts 2–3 weeks; pine and fir last longer.
How to decorate the tree
- Palette. 2–3 main colours: classic red, gold and green, or Scandinavian white, wood and linen.
- Lights first. Wind the lights from the trunk out along the branches, starting at the top.
- Big then small. Large baubles near the trunk, then small ornaments towards the tips.
- Natural touches. Dried oranges, cinnamon, pine cones, cotton sprigs and eucalyptus.
- Topper — a star, finial or bow.
Use only certified lights in good condition and switch them off when you go out; real candles on a tree are a fire hazard.
Alternatives to a tree
- Fir branches in a vase — compact, fragrant and fresher for longer than you might think.
- A wall tree made of lights, branches or photos.
- A wooden or metal frame — reusable and eco-friendly.
- A tree of books, pine cones or felt — for creative interiors.
- A potted conifer — Norfolk pine, false cypress or thuja that stays after the holidays.
- A table arrangement of conifer, cones and candles.
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FAQ
Which tree holds its needles longest?
Nordmann fir and pine; spruce sheds faster, especially in a warm room.
When should I put up the tree?
1–2 weeks before the holidays; a potted tree no earlier than a week before.
Can I plant a potted tree afterwards?
Yes, if the root ball is intact: in spring once the ground thaws, after hardening the tree off on a cool balcony.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
