Christmas Trees

Last week I shared an interesting article that I came across which claimed that people who put up their Christmas decorations up early are happier. It seems that the winter celebrations can have a positive effect on our mental wellbeing.

It struck a chord with me, especially this year where it seems more of us have put up our decorations much earlier than usual. And it seems to make sense! It’s been a long year with much stress, worry and loss. Why not go all out this Christmas? Social distancing and the three-bubble rule here in England means that many of us will be spending more time at home over the festive season than we normally would. We may feel more inclined to go all out with decorating our homes. And the twinkly lights and shiny baubles of Christmas create a cosy, festive feeling. It reminds us of our childhoods, where everything was less complicated, bringing us to a place where the responsibilities of adulthood are far away! The nostalgia factor is strong this year.

Studies into the psychology of Christmas are not a new thing. Way back in 1989, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed that decorating the outside of your house makes you appear more friendly. 

This may resound strongly with us as many of us forged new relationships with our neighbours over the lockdowns during the year. What better way to continue the feeling of community with a winter wonderland of lights down the street? 

The stalwart of Christmas decoration for well over a hundred years is the Christmas Tree. What is better than a neighbourhood walk on a crisp, dry evening to check out all the beautiful trees in people’s windows? And it’s a great way to express our decorative creativity and involve the whole family in the festivities. Whether you follow the yearly fashions and create new “this season” look each year, or you festoon your tree with much loved decorations, many made by you or your children, decorating the tree is a great way to start off the festive season. Put on the Christmas music, don your Santa hat, heat up the mince pies and decorate to your hearts content.

There is the ever-present question on whether to buy a real tree or invest in a good fake one. There are plenty of arguments for both, but I reckon you need to make a decision based on your particular circumstances. For instance, if you plan to have your tree up for well over a month, in these days of centrally heated homes, even with daily watering, your average tree will not survive well into January. But very little else beats the look and the smell of a real Christmas tree! There is the ethical decision to make too – which is better for our environment? As with most things, the answer is not always obvious. This article goes into the ethical implications of choosing a real or fake tree.

As a bonus, have a look at some great alternative Christmas trees from around the world. The creativity is just fabulous!

There are lots of ways to decorate a Christmas tree. You can go ice cool with glass and silver, or traditional red and gold or bright and fun with blues and pinks, or all-out chaos with every salt dough star and toilet roll fairy your children (or you!) have come home from school or nursery. That’s the fun of a Christmas tree! Anything goes and everything works. But if you want to stay at the cutting edge of Christmas tree design, here are some of the 2020 Christmas tree trends to help you chose your Christmas look.

But, of course, the best thing about the Christmas Tree is all the presents underneath! Have a happy, healthy, fun-filled festive season with everyone you love.

Merry Christmas