The Christmas tree is the traditional centerpiece of holiday decoration at Christmas. The fir therefore has to be nothing less than perfect, and a beautiful tree is absolutely part of the perfect celebration, no doubt about it. But everyone has their own preferences when it comes to the Christmas tree: some prefer the popular but comparatively expensive Nordmann fir, others a cheaper spruce. The selection at the Christmas tree lot is often overwhelming. The most important part, though, comes only after buying the tree: decorating it with ornaments that turn the green conifer into a magnificent holiday tree that draws every eye. Nordmann fir or spruce - which is the right tree?
Nordmann firs
Germans love their Nordmann firs: the fir's needles are not only dark green but also comparatively soft and therefore don't prick you while decorating. The shape is nicely full yet still compact, making it the ideal eye-catcher. What's more, the Nordmann fir lasts quite a while and usually doesn't drop its needles after just a few days. All of that comes at a price, of course, so these trees are noticeably more expensive than other varieties.
Spruce trees
Much cheaper are, for example, the Norway spruce and the blue spruce. Both are considerably less expensive, and a Norway spruce sometimes costs only half the price of a Nordmann fir. The blue spruce in particular, though, is a 'prickly spruce' with sharp needles.
Both give off a pleasant, intense pine scent, and that's exactly where the two spruces earn important points at the Christmas tree lot. But watch out when you hang the ornaments and tinsel!
Noble fir
A real insider tip among Christmas trees is the noble fir: just as pricey as the Nordmann fir, it wins people over with even longer freshness and needle retention, as well as extremely sturdy branches that hold plenty of ornaments and tons of tinsel. Because of its scent, too, it's often affectionately called the 'noble fir' among enthusiasts. Its soft needles give off an intense scent of oranges. Only the growth is irregular in places, so it isn't for everyone.
Gingerbread as tree decoration
Christmas tree decoration is twice as much fun when you can eat it - and the best edible tree decorations are made from gingerbread and Christmas baked goods. You'll find a wide selection of the finest Christmas treats at Lebkuchen-Schmidt. This way to the Lebkuchen-Schmidt shop.
How do I properly care for the Christmas tree until Christmas?
It's best not to bring the tree into the room right away. Traditionally, the Christmas tree isn't put up until Christmas Eve anyway. Until then, store it outdoors as protected from wind and sun as possible, for example in a bucket of water. If it gets too wet or cold, store it in the basement or garage. Bring the tree inside a day before decorating, place it in a stand, and open the netting the next day. Depending on its size, a tree needs up to two liters of water a day. So top up the water regularly and don't place it right in front of the heater, or it will quickly lose its needles!
How do I recognize high-quality Christmas trees?
Two weeks before Christmas Eve, around December 10, when the Christmas markets are already open, the peak season for Christmas tree sales begins. If you buy a good, high-quality tree and then care for it properly, you don't have to worry about it losing all its needles before Christmas. Take a look at the cut at the base of the tree at the seller's: the lighter the cut, the fresher the tree. If you notice a sheen on the needles, you can be sure the tree is still fresh. If it drops a few needles, that's no problem: trees do that in the forest too, and it doesn't necessarily say anything about their condition.
For less effort: the artificial tree
It doesn't smell of forest and nature, and on closer inspection it doesn't look like a real one either: the artificial tree. But the advantages are obvious. An artificial tree means considerably less effort and, over time, is cheaper too. Either you conveniently stow the plastic tree you bought in your trunk, or you order it online and have it delivered right to your home. After that, all you have to do is set it up and decorate it, with no sharp needles ending up on the floor afterward. Of course, artificial trees also come in all shapes and colors, so you'll quickly find the right Christmas tree.
