As Christmas approaches, thoughts must turn to decorations and, more specifically, Christmas trees. It is no longer simply a case of deciding whether or not you want a real tree or an artificial tree, however, for the days of a lack of choice are long gone. There is the ‘traditional’ plastic tree, the white plastic tree, the metal tree, the pink tree, trees that can be bought ready decorated, trees that have built-in fairy lights, upside down trees (the idea being that it is easier to fit presents underneath); the list is endless. Has the fun gone out of Christmas?

It depends on what you want to get out of the Christmas tree experience. For working people who have little spare time to drive to a garden centre, choose a tree and then decorate it, clearly artificial trees are time-saving creations that bring the joy of the holiday season to any home.

With each new season, come new fears about the environmental impact of the choices we make. Is an artificial tree an environmentally friendly option, then? As with so many things in life, it depends on how you use it. Although these trees are long lasting, many are thrown away and replaced within nine years of purchase and sadly, they are almost all made from non-renewable plastics which mean they can pose a threat to the environment. If they are stored properly after each use, however, they can be an extremely efficient way of having a Christmas tree.

For many traditionalists, however, the only option is a real Christmas tree. Local garden centre ‘Plantation’, on the Oundle Road in Polebrook, offers both the Noble Fir and the Fraser Fir as a cut tree, which cannot be replanted after use but can be recycled. The Noble Fir is also available as a potted tree and so can be replanted after Christmas.

The Noble Fir is what often springs to mind when people think of Christmas trees and has thick, blue-green needles that generally do not drop and are particularly fragrant. The Fraser Fir has shorter needles that are more silver-green in colour. The branches of the Fraser Fir are often firmer and hold their shape better than the Noble Fir, which means that it can be easier to decorate.

‘Plantation’ will also be stocking a range of decorations, wreaths and Christmas tree stands, but shops like Artisana and Crackers in Oundle town centre have plenty of traditional decorations as well as other items that can be hung or nestled in branches.

Wherever you buy your Christmas tree from and regardless of whether it is real or not, it is commonly agreed that the Christmas tree lights should go on first, followed by any garlands or tinsel, before adding the ornaments. Whilst it may appear to be less practical, traditionally the star or angel should be placed on the tree last of all.

‘Plantation’ is currently stocking Christmas trees. It is open all week from 10am until 4pm, with a special late night shopping evening on Wednesday 12th December, when it will remain open until 8pm.