How to Save Money with an Artificial Christmas Tree

Growing up, I scoffed at the idea of an artificial Christmas tree in our home. Our tradition was to go to a live Christmas tree lot and cut down our very own live Christmas Tree. As an adult, however, I have come to realize that saving money on an artificial Christmas tree may be a valued option. An artificial Christmas Tree can bring the same warmth and loving spirit as a live Christmas tree minus the ongoing cost, mess and fire hazard. Join me as we consider saving money this year and all the years to come by using an artificial Christmas Tree.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Decorations
• Apple Cider/Hot Cocoa
• Christmas Music

1. 
    

   COUNT THE SAVINGS! While a live Christmas tree costs $30-$100 every year, you can find a deal on an artificial tree (after Christmas, on ebay, or at garage sales) and get a tree that will last for 20 years. So, if your tree typically costs $100 compare that over 20 years to $2,000, that is a $1900 difference. Maybe for some people that is not much of a big difference, but when money is already tight around the holiday season, it can be nice to know you don't have to pay for a tree.

2. 
    

   FORGET THE MESS! While there is nothing like the scent of a fresh pine tree in the home, does a pine tree actually belong in the home? The constant watering, piles of pine needles on your wood floor or carpet and sticky sap on the fingers seem to indicate a house may not be the best place for a live tree. If you decide to buy an artificial Christmas tree this year to save money, be reassured that you will also save quite a mess as well.

3. 
    

   RELAX WITH THE SAFETY! The U.S. Fire Administration reports that "live Christmas trees account for 200 fires annually, resulting in 6 deaths, 25 injuries and more than $6 million in property damage." Most artificial Christmas Trees are fire retardant and drastically reduce the danger of safety hazards.

4. 
    

   MAKE NEW TRADITIONS! If you do decide to save money by purchasing an artificial Christmas tree this year, that does NOT mean you to have to throw away Holiday traditions. Make NEW holiday traditions surrounding the decoration and building of your tree. Play Christmas music, make hot cocoa or cider and Christmas cookies. If your children are young you can install it overnight and pretend that Santa dropped off an early present for them! This could continue for many years with much joy and guessing just WHEN the Christmas tree will appear. :) Whatever you do make it a special and positive event (not one of defeat!) Make it personal and unique to your family and enjoy your new frugal Christmas tree!

Tips & Warnings

• Enjoy packing up your tree when the season is finished instead of worrying about the tree disposal.
• Pick a classic tree which will be in style for years to come.
• If for whatever reason you decide you want to go back to a live Christmas tree in years to come, artificial Christmas trees make great gifts to people who live in an apartment or were not planning on buying a tree of their own.

Resources

• Homemade Christmas - How To Start a Family Tradition and Build Incredible Memories!
• Benefits of an Artificial Christmas Tree

[HowDragon]

on 12/10/2008 Nice article. That sounds fun--guessing when it will appear. Thanks!

[jpwriter]

on 12/9/2008 Heck yeah, our tree is artificial and came with lights on it already. Light a pine candle!

[Vanillatte]

on 12/9/2008 We've had an artificial tree for years and love it! Good article!

[jimdris]

on 12/9/2008 We've had one for years and love it. It goes back up in the attic in a big bag with the lights still on it.

[klnygaard]

on 12/9/2008 good points