THE PERFECT
HOLIDAY DECORATING | LIGHTING UP THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Christmas tree
The “perfect tree” means different things to different people, and the merits of a fir versus a pine, tall and slim
versus short and wide, are argued at length each year.
But one aspect of Christmas trees on which people tend to hold a strong stance is material: Are you a “real”
Christmas tree believer? Or do you prefer an artificial tree?
To help you decide (or sway you in a different direction), consider the following pros and cons of both Christmas
tree types.
AFTIFICIAL TREES
GOING
Griswold
ecorating for the holidays is a long held and respected tradition. No matter where
you live, you can find a neighborhood that is transformed by lights and full of
holiday spirit.
These neighborhoods often become infamous to locals and become tourist
attractions in their own right. For some towns, the pressure is really on. When Christmas
is in your name, you have to do it up right. Here’s the rundown on three towns that pull
out all the stops. Visit www.christmaslightfinder.com to find displays in your area.
D
NORTH POLE, ALASKA
Living in “the North Pole,” how can you not feel the responsibility to show off your Christmas
cheer? The town hosts what its citizens call “Christmas in Ice.” This is a six-week winter ice park,
featuring ice art competitions, ice slides, a maze and ice sculpture demonstrations.
It also has a highly touted kids’ park. The festival hosts many other activities, including cookie
decorating. The festival concludes with Santa playing in the ice park on Christmas Eve before
leaving to make his annual deliveries.
CHRISTMAS COVE, MAINE
Christmas Cove is an actual cove, which means it is pretty empty at Christmas. (Winter in
Maine is not a time to be on a boat.) However, just North is Wilton, and Wilton Lights has been
a Maine holiday tradition for many years.
The Christmas display at a private residence is set to timers and animated by music, which can
be heard by tuning in to a local radio station when you are nearby. Think twice before you travel
this year, however. The family that displays the lights at its home is moving across town and has
decided to postpone the light show this year.
SANTA CLAUS, INDIANA
If you are ever in Santa Claus, check out its Land of Light — the largest campground holiday
light show in North America. The light show tells a story in lights and storyboards, with more than
300 light display pieces stretching more than a mile.
22 • HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 2017 • WWW.DAILYASTORIAN.COM
LIVE TREES
BENEFITS
BENEFITS
Convenience: Each year, this tree is simply taken out
of storage and assembled. Its shape is always
“perfect,” it won’t molt its needles, and it never needs
to be watered.
Made in the U.S.A.: According to the USDA, almost
all of the 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees sold in
the U.S. every year are grown in the U.S.
Cost: While the initial investment might be pricey
depending on the size and style you choose (pre-
lit, dusted with fake snow, or ornamented with
pine cones, for example), it is a cost that is only
incurred once, rather than every year.
DRAWBACKS
Non-biodegradable: This means when you
throw it out, it will be in the landfill
forever.
Sizable carbon footprint: More than
85 percent of artificial trees are made
in China and shipped to the United
States.
Fire hazard: They not only burn
easily but act as an accelerant —
causing much more damage
than if a live tree were to burn
in your home.
Eco-friendly: Live trees are recyclable.
Smell great: A natural deodorizer, there is really
nothing like the scent of fresh pine or balsam fir.
DRAWBACKS
Cost: Your cost will depend on the size of tree
you choose as well as where you live, but most
trees run anywhere from $20 to $200 — a
reoccurring cost as one tree will only last the
current holiday season.
High maintenance: Needles will begin to
litter the floor almost immediately, and
live trees must be watered heavily
every day.