Selecting and decorating the Christmas tree is one of our most valued Yuletide traditions. Of all the symbols we associate with the holiday season Ryan Braun Brewers Jersey , few are more recognizable than the Christmas tree. We take great care in selecting a beautiful, fragrant evergreen to place in our homes or businesses. We watch with delight as our kids hang ornaments, often as early as the day after Thanksgiving. We attend civic Christmas tree lightings in small towns and large cities alike. And, of course, on Christmas Eve we fill with anticipation as we wait for Santa to deliver the goods.

It all starts with the selection process Robin Yount Brewers Jersey , however. If, like millions of traditionalists everywhere, you've made the decision to trim a real tree versus an artificial one, your first step is to decide where you'll procure the evergreen and what type of tree you want.

While you can obtain a cutting permit and venture into a public forest yourself to down your tree, that may not be the safest or most efficient way to go. Today Paul Molitor Brewers Jersey , most consumers opting for live trees visit a commercial Christmas tree farm or nursery, or they purchase one from a market vendor who has had the tree shipped from a nurseryfarm.

Often, choices abound. Fir, spruce, pine Orlando Arcia Brewers Jersey , cedar and cypress all are popular varieties. Typically, a fir is considered the "true" Christmas tree. But the fact of the matter is that there are different species of fir trees and there truly is no right or wrong choice, no "official" Christmas tree. For example, a Colorado Blue Spruce serves as the National Christmas Tree outside the White House. Inside the White House, however Matt Garza Brewers Jersey , a variety of trees have been used over the years. There is no preferred presidential evergreen.

According to The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), the 10 most popular Christmas trees grown and sold in the United States are as follows, in order:

- 1. Fraser Fir
- 2. Douglas Fir
- 3. Balsam Fir
- 4. Colorado Blue Spruce
- 5. Scotch Pine
- 6. Eastern Red Cedar
- 7. White Spruce
- 8. Eastern White Pine
- 9. White Fir
- 10. Virginia Pine

While not in the Top 10 in terms of popularity, the Leyland Cypress is a good choice for individuals who suffer from allergies but still want a real tree for Christmas, according to the NCTA.

When choosing the tree that works best for your family Lorenzo Cain Brewers Jersey , you'll want to take several things into consideration - beginning with the tree's size. Know the dimensions of the space into which you hope to place your tree. How high is the ceiling? How wide is the area? Take along a tape measure so that you can be certain the tree you've chosen will fit.

Look for a green tree with no (or very few) brown needles.

Take a good look at the bottom of the tree's "trunk" to ensure it is both sturdy and straight. If it is knotted or curved it may not fit into your base - then you've purchased and hauled a useless tree.

A reputable dealer won't sell a tree with these blemishes, but we all know there are plenty of disreputable vendors out there looking to make a quick buck!

Just like you kick the tires before buying a car, it's a good idea to test a tree before buying it by taking a branch in your grasp and, with gentle pressure, pulling at it. Don't pull hard Jonathan Villar Brewers Jersey , but instead allow the branch of the tree to pass through your fingers and palm pressure. If all or a majority of the needles stay on, the tree is strong. If several fall off, you're dealing with a weak tree.

Once you have a tree set up inside your home, it's time to decorate! A first-rate tree-topper and ornaments are an absolute must.

Finally, real trees can become fire hazards if proper precautions are not taken.
Author's Resource Box

Brought to you by Imaginary Greetings Glenn Robinson Brewers Jersey , a regular contributor of valuable family oriented articles. To help create the perfect family holiday, for the best selection of Christmas trees, lights, decorations and everything else Christmas, visit Santas Depot.

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The Obama romance featured in "Southside With You" The Obama romance featured in "Southside With You"

NEW YORK: Women on Wall Street Eric Thames Brewers Jersey , the 2012 Connecticut school shooting, abortion rights and a fictional account of the first date by a young Barack Obama and his future wife Michelle were among the topics of more than 120 movies and documentaries announced on Wednesday for the annual Sundance Film Festival.


Movies featuring actors Daniel Radcliffe, Ellen Page, Elisabeth Moss and pop singer Nick Jonas will also be screened at the 11-day festival in Utah in January that was founded by actor Robert Redford to promote independent movie-making.


The Obama romance will be featured in "Southside With You," which is set on a summer afternoon in 1989 when the future U.S. president wooed his future wife on a first date on Chicago's South Side neighbourhood. Obama will be played by up-and-coming British actor Parker Sawyers with Tika Sumpter playing Michelle.


In "Equity Corey Knebel Brewers Jersey ," former "Breaking Bad" star Anna Gunn stars as a female investment banker fighting for promotion at a Wall Street firm by leading a controversial tech IPO.


The December 2012 massacre of 26 children and teachers at Sandy Hook elementary school gets a documentary treatment in "Newtown" which looks at the effect of the mass shooting on the town.


Other documentaries include "Jim," a look at the life of American journalist Jim Foley who was beheaded by Islamic State militants in 2014, and "Trapped" which examines the fight faced by abortion clinics in the United States.


Jonas will play a lead role in a feature film on the college fraternity scene called "Goat," while former "Harry Potter" star Radcliffe appears in "Swiss Army Man" about a strand. Cheap Jerseys Cheap Custom Jerseys Cheap Jerseys Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap Authentic Jerseys Cheap NHL Jerseys Shop Cheap NFL Jerseys Online Cheap NCAA Hockey Jerseys Cheap Nike NBA Jerseys Wholesale Authentic Soccer Jerseys