Celebrating the holiday season with a Real Christmas Tree is a long-standing tradition. Each year, nearly 35 million American families celebrate the holiday season with a fresh, farm-grown Christmas Tree. Christmas Tree enthusiasts believe the aroma of a Real Christmas Tree is a strong reminder and symbol of life, family traditions and the innocence of childhood itself. Much as other crops provide food for the body, the aroma of a farm-grown Christmas Tree provides food for the soul.
The use of evergreens as a symbol and celebration of life during Winter Solstice celebrations started in ancient Roman and Egyptian times. This practice evolved over the centuries to be incorporated in the celebration of Christmas in the Germanic areas of Europe. The first recorded display of a decorated Christmas Tree was in 1510, in Riga, Latvia. Christmas Trees were decorated with fruit, cookies and candy that would later be shared among family members as gifts after the Holiday Season was over.
Now in the 21st century, the tradition of families choosing their centerpiece of holiday celebrations has become generational, inheritable and transferable. Many tree farmers and retailers across America witness these phenomena firsthand each year.
Along with legends and traditions, many myths about the Real Christmas Tree have become as attached as the stars on the top. One such myth is that all Real Christmas Trees come from pristine forests and therefore it is shameful to use a Real Tree instead of an artificial one. Of course, this is only myth… 98% of all Real Christmas Trees used each year are grown on farms as sustainable crops, just like corn or pumpkins.
Another myth is that Real Christmas Trees are a fire hazard. How many times have we all seen the burning tree on the local action news? In fact, based on stats compiled by the National Fire Protection Association, fewer than one-one thousandth of a percent (0.0004%%) of all Real Christmas Trees used each year are involved in a fire. That’s not a fire hazard! With proper care, Real Christmas Trees can maintain their freshness and moisture content throughout the holiday season.
Many people also complain that a Real Tree bothers their allergies. While it’s quite possible a person may be allergic to tree pollen or even tree sap, it’s not as widespread as many believe. Judy Tidwell, on About.com reports that during the holidays, there “are many allergens that can cause reactions, although the Christmas Tree often takes the blame. The main culprits include mold, dust and food.” A Real Tree itself is unlikely to produce pollen during December, but being outdoors for years in the field, it can collect pollens, dust, mold or other allergens. Of course, so can the artificial tree stored in the attic or basement.
This year, Christmas tree farmers like Jim and Suzanne Dohner are hoping families choose the perfect holiday gift, a Real Christmas tree. “It’s just a wonderful time for people to be out in the open, enjoying nature and reminiscing about coming to our farm each year,” says Suzanne Dohner. “We’re not selling trees, we’re selling an experience.”
Dohner’s Christmas Treeland is located a ½ mile north of Baraboo west off County Road BD (Old Highway 12) on Terrytown Road. They are open starting Saturday, November 23 from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. For more information on selecting a Real Christmas tree, you can visit their web site at www.ChristmasTreeland.com .
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