Christmas Trees, usually evergreens of fir or pine, have been highly reknowned long before they were used to celebrate the December 25th holiday. Because of their ability to stay green all year round, they were cherished and valued at a very high level in most places, and were used for good energy & to ward off negativity. They were placed in homes around the last week of December as a reminder that things would bloom again after the Winter Solstice.
It is believed that the Christmas Tree tradition as we currently know it began in Germany in the 16th Century, and that Martin Luther was the first person to add lights to one. Moving into America, the acceptance of this tradition took much longer. It was initially frowned upon and looked at similarly to witchcraft. Even the holiday carols and celebrations that accompanied the trees' presence were preached against. In the late 1800s, a law was passed in Massachusetts for anybody who hung decorations to be fined.
What turned things around? Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were portrayed in a piece of artwork surrounding a Christmas tree with their family. That's it. After that, almost instantaneously the celebrations were accepted, ornaments were being shipped into America, and trees were flooding into homes.
These trees can be used to celebrate many things, but perhaps what is most evident is that they bring some sort of joy with their presence alone.
Most of us, especially in Florida, purchase trees that are ready to be loaded onto our vehicles and driven home. (If you have the pleasure of going to a choose & cut farm, or chopping down your own, bravo & we want to see photos!) For tree selecting, be sure to measure the space in your home first. Think of how you will decorate your tree and what sorts of things are going to hang from the branches, as this will help you determine the length of branches that you need. From there, it is a process of intuition! Choose the one that stands out to you most.
Caring for a Christmas Tree is fairly simple: Make sure the water does not run out; Don't add anything to the water; Let some light in!

If you have any evergreen / fir / Christmas tree tips, share them with us!
Be sure to follow us on instagram: perkinstree. We will be featuring the best decorated Christmas Trees from YOU and there may just be a giveaway!