Posted on 12/01/2007 6:50:28 PM PST by JACKRUSSELL
(LONGMONT) — For anybody selling artificial trees, it’s a merrier Christmas every year.
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 9.3 million American households bought a manufactured tree last year. That’s up from 7.3 million in 2001.
And while real trees still have a three-to-one edge in sales, the long life of an artificial tree means that plastic is slowly crowding its way into the center of the Christmas card.
Five years ago, a nation-wide study found that 60 percent of the homes that put up a tree chose to go artificial.
“People will lie to you, but artificial trees have kicked real trees in the butt,” said Kenneth McCoy, who runs more than 30 Christmas tree lots along the Front Range, including two in Longmont. “They bring in shiploads of artificial trees from China, and you just can’t compete on the price.”
Ironically, though, people who purchase artificial trees want realistic-looking ones.
“Our most popular ones are the ones that most resemble trees from around here,” said Dan Gust of Ace Hardware. That means not a deep-green plastic pine but a yellow-green one, like many evergreens that grow in mountain soil.
Of course, those who want a little variety can easily find it. In Gust’s store alone, black trees, rainbow trees and even an aluminum tree with a reflector light — the sort of tree that caused Charlie Brown’s despair — are available.
“You’d have to be into nostalgia to want that tree,” Gust acknowledged. “But if you’re into nostalgia, it’s great.”
The most popular trees tend to be about 7 feet high, though he sells about a dozen 12-footers every year, and they’re slim enough to be an easy fit, even if placed in the foyer, he said.
But even a forest of choices has limits. As pre-lit trees grow in popularity, unlit trees are getting harder to find.
“I wish I could get more, but manufacturers just aren’t stocking them,” said Gust, who uses a pre-lit one in his own home for convenience. “We get a few customers who want to do their own lights, but the demand is not very great.”
For those who want to go artificial, Gust suggested the following tips:
• Never buy a tree you can’t see. If there’s not a sample on the floor, avoid it.
• Decide how much decorating you plan to do. If you want to load five years’ worth of ornaments on the tree, choose one that’s not very full. If you just plan to do lights and tinsel, a fuller tree can work.
• Decide if you want to put the tree in front of a window. If so, pick the fullest tree possible, to keep light from leaking in between the branches.
• Take your time. A good manufactured tree can last 12 to 15 years these days, Gust said.
BTW, Welcome bac.
To you and all Freepers.....
A Very Merry Christmas and Holiday season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0G77i5gvAg&feature=related
I hate you.....
(JUST kidding. My husband says I don’t get a new tv until our ten year or so old one dies. *Sigh*)
So this year we went fake Martha Stewart style and I've gotta say I really like it. I do miss the smell but I figure that's what Gold Canyon is for!
“Christmas is not about the tree anyway, or the presents, or the 50” Panasonic Plasma with 1080p resolution.”
It’s about the glow on a child’s face opening the present they wanted from Santa.
It’s about families and friends having a chance to see and visit with each other in a joyous holiday celebration.
It’s about getting the opportunity to give to those less fortunate.
The happiness shining back from others by this process of giving lights the heart and soul, and opens them to God’s grace.
The wise man has eyes that see, and ears that hear.
You, my FRiend, are a wise man.
LoL.
here’s a thought, just unplug the set, let it sit for a while, then accidentally remove a few parts (the big important looking ones)
or better yet, get your son to do it
A TV can hold a charge for a long period of time so he best ground himself.
And no cutting with a chain saw!
Oh my, your ten year old has to die before you can get a new TV? Is it a boy or girl?
Capitalism in action.
Oh, no. Our son would be too obvious. He’s ruined hundreds of dollars worth of stuff.
He’d never expect the four year old to sabotage the TV, would he?
*Raspberry*
I’ve never had a real tree. My parents just didn’t do it. I have a $30 Wal-mart white tree for my apartment, and it looks really nice with candy canes all over it, so who cares about what I may be missing?
Thanc you! Glad to be in the Midwest with real folk.
Here’s something a friend sent me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ
Silly me. I thought it was about celebrating the birth of Christ?
Regards
Thanks JACK for all your hard work on China.
IT truly is appreciated.
Well said.
I'll even throw in a hologram of a large plastic nag to put the tree in and take to the curb when the tree is done.
And if you want a Holiday Hologram Tree, I will provide an image of John Kerry with little lights glowing in strategic places.
Since we moved to the mountains, we’ve bought live trees and planted them after Christmas. After one Sequoia, we are on our third Blue Spruce. All of the previous trees are doing great.
“I thought it was about celebrating the birth of Christ?”
Let’s say that you are right. Although it was more like a 6-month old’s first birthday party.
We don’t give gifts to Christ, but to each other.
Jesus and God wanted us to “Love others as ourselves.”
The spirit of giving, the benefit to our soul, and how it pleases the Lord that we follow the commandments and the word of the Bible, is the basis for Christians celebrating Christmas, in my understanding.
Jesus wasn’t born on Dec. 25th,(as far as we can tell) so it isn’t his birthday, but yes, we are celebrating HIS BIRTH!
And, like the wise men, We enter his presence (Christmas day) with full arms, and leave with full hearts.
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