Charity Christmas Tree Collections Across The UK

The way you dispose of Christmas tree can make a big difference to the environment. Recycling your tree can reduce the environmental impact by up to 80% compared to if your tree ends up in a landfill.

After Christmas, many charities, hospices and organisations have volunteers who will come and collect and recycle your tree for a small suggested donation, so you can help to raise money for a good cause, and be kinder to the environment at the same time.

We’ve created a list of all of these organisations we could find across the UK below. If you spot any we have missed, please contact us so we can add it.

Filter By Location

North West

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Cheshire

East Cheshire Hospice

Collection Area: CW12, SK9, SK10, SK11, SK12 & WA16

St Rocco’s

Collection Area: WA1 to WA5 and WA13

St Luke’s

Collection Area: CW 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 and 11

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Cumbria

Hospice at Home

Collection Area: CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 8, CA5 6, CA5 7, CA6 4, CA6 5, CA7 9, CA8 1, CA8 9, CA10 2, CA11 7, CA11 8, CA11 9, CA11 0

St Mary’s Hospice

Collection Area: LA11, LA12, LA13, LA14, LA15, LA16, LA17, LA18, LA19, LA20

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Greater Manchester

St Ann’s Hospice

Collection Area: M20, M21, M22, M23, M27, M28, M30, M32, M33, M41, M44, SK1, SK2, SK3, SK3, SK4, SK5, SK6, SK7, SK8, WA14, WA15

Spring Hill Hospice

Collection Area: OL1, OL2, OL10, OL11, OL12, OL13, OL14, OL15,OL16, M24

Bury Hospice

Collection Area: BL0, BL8, BL9, M25, M26 and M45 postcode areas – and Ainsworth, Bradley Fold, Harwood and Bradshaw

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Lancashire

St John’s Hospice

Collection Area: LA1, LA2, LA3, LA4, LA5, LA6, LA7, LA8, LA9, LA22, LA23 and PR31

Trinity Hospice

Collection Area: FY1, FY2, FY3, FY4, FY5, FY6, FY8 and PR4

East Lancashire Hospice

Collection Area: Fernhurst, Oakdale, Lower Darwen, Darwen, Whalley, Clitheroe, Oswald­twistle or Mellor

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Merseyside

Wirral Hospice

Collection Area: Every Wirral postcode area is eligible to register

Willow Brook

Collection Area: L14, L28, L34, L35, L36, WA9, WA10, WA11, WA12 WN5 (not Orrell)

Queens Court

Collection Area: PR8, PR9, PR4 6, L37, L39, L40 & WN8

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Yorkshire

South Yorkshire

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice

Collection Area: Barnsley, Chesterfield, Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield and Worksop

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West Yorkshire

Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice

Collection Area: WF 4, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, HD 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, HX 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, BD 4, 11, 12, 13, 19, OL 13, 14, LS 28

Overgate Hospice

Collection Area: HX, HD6, OL14, BD13

St Gemma’s Hospice

Collection Area: LS6, LS7, LS8, LS14, LS15, LS16, LS17, LS18, LS28

Sue Ryder

Collection Area: BD13, BD14, BD15, BD16, BD17, BD18, BD20, BD21, BD22, BD23, BD24 and LS29

The Kirkwood Support Life

Collection Area: HD1, HD2, HD3, HD4, HD5, HD7 4, HD7 5, HD8, HD9 (exc HD9 2), BD19, WF13, WF14, WF15, WF16, WF17

The Prince of Wales Hospice

Collection Area: WF4 1, WF4 2, WF6, WF7, WF8, WF9, WF10, WF11, LS25 5 & LS25 7

Wakefield Hospice

Collection Area: WF1, WF2, WF3, WF4, WF5, LS26, LS27 and S75

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North East

Durham

St Cuthbert’s Hospice

Collection Area: DH1, DH2, DH3, DH6, and DH7

St Teresa’s Hospice

Collection Area: Check website

Teeside Hospice

Collection Area: Check website

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Tyne and Wear

St Oswald’s

Collection Area: NE1-NE18, NE20-NE22, NE23-NE30, NE39-NE42, NE62-64

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West Midlands

Birmingham

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice

Collection Area: B13, B14, B15, B16, B17, B23, B24, B25, B26, B27, B28, B29, B30, B31, B32, B38, B45, B47, B48, B62, B67, B68, B72, B73, B76, B90, B91, B92, B93, B94

John Taylor Hospice

Collection Area: B13, B14, B15, B16, B17, B23, B24, B25, B26, B27, B28, B29, B30, B31, B32, B38, B45, B47, B48, B62, B67, B68, B72, B73, B76, B90, B91, B92, B93, B94

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Herefordshire

St Michael’s Hospice

Collection Area: Check website

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Staffordshire

Doughie Mac Hospice

Collection Area: ST1 / ST2 / ST3 / ST4 / ST5 / ST6 / ST7 / ST9 / ST11 / ST12

St Giles Hospice

Collection Area: Lichfield, Walsall, Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Burton, Rugeley, Burntwood, Uttoxeter, Swadlincote, Stafford and surrounding areas.

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Warwickshire

Myton HospiceCollection Area: Check website

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Worcestershire

Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust

Collection Area: B60, B61, B96, B97, Barnt Green, Alvechurch, Feckenham and Inkberrow, WR1, WR3, WR4, WR5, WR7, WR9, WR10, St John’s Worcester and the villages local to the charity to include: Crowle, Upton Snodsbury, Broughton Hacket, White Ladies Aston and Drakes Broughton.

Mary Stevens Hospice

Collection Area: B62, B63, B64, DY1, DY2, DY3, DY4, DY5, DY6, DY7, DY8, DY9, WV5.

St Richards

Collection Area: WR1, WR2, WR3, WR4, WR5, WR7, WR8, WR9, WR10, WR11, WR12, WR13, WR14

Wythall Community Association

Collection Area: B90.1 / B92.2 / B94.5 / B47.5 / B47.6 / B48.7 / B98.7 /B38.3 / B38.8 / B38.9

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East Midlands

Derbyshire

Ashgate Hospice

Collection Area: S18, S40, S41, S42, S43, DE4 (3 only – Matlock, Matlock Bath and Cromford area)

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Leicestershire

The Air Ambulance Service

Collection Area: Melton Mowbray

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Lincolnshire

Louth Rotary

Collection Area: LN11

St Barnabas Hospice

Collection Area: LN1, LN2, LN3, LN4, LN5, LN6, LN8, DN21, NG31, NG32, NG33, NG34, PE9

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Northamptonshire

Cransley Hospice

Collection Area: All houses within NN8, NN15 and Limited areas within, NN16, NN9, NN14 and NN29

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Nottinghamshire

Nottingham Hospitals Charity

Collection Area: NG1, NG2, NG3, NG4, NG5, NG6, NG7, NG8, NG9, NG10, NG11, NG12, NG14, NG15, NG16, NG18

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East

Cambridgeshire

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity

Collection Area: CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4, CB5, CB21, CB22, CB23, CB24 and all postcodes in Waterbeach.

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices

Collection Area: PE19, PE27, PE28, PE29, CB6, CB7

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Essex

St Clare Hospice

Collection Area: CB10, CB11, CM17, CM18, CM19, CM20, CM21, CM22, CM23, CM24, CM6 1, CM6 2, CM16, CM5, EN9

Saint Francis Hospice

Collection Area: CM13, CM14, CM15 and CM4 0

Havens Hospices

Collection Area: SS5, SS6, SS7 and SS9

Farleigh Hospice

Collection Area: CM0, CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4 9, CM6 3, CM7, CM77, CM8, CM9, and some postcodes within CO5 9 & CO6 1

St Helena

Collection Area: CO1 to CO9, CO11 and CO13 to CO16

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Hertfordshire

St Francis

Collection Area: AL1, AL2, AL3, AL4, AL5, HP1, HP2 HP3, HP4, WD4, WD5, HP23

Isabel Hospice

Collection Area: AL6, AL7 1, AL7 2, AL7 3, AL7 4, AL8, AL9, AL10 0, AL10 8, AL10 9, SG2 7, SG3 6, SG9, SG10, SG11, SG12 0, SG12 7, SG12 8, SG12 9, SG13 7, SG13 8 and SG14

Garden House Hospice Centre

Collection Area: Stevenage, North Herts, South Bedfordshire and surrounding areas

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Norfolk

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices

Collection Area: NR1, NR2, NR3, NR4, NR5, NR6, NR7, NR8, NR9 3, NR14 7, NR18 0, NR19 1, NR20 3, NR25 6, NR26, NR27, IP22 4

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Suffolk

St Nicholas Hospice

Collection Area: IP24, IP28, IP29, IP30, IP31, IP32, IP33, IP27, CO10, CB8, CB9

St Elizabeth Hospice

Collection Area: IP1, IP2, IP3, IP4, IP5, IP6, IP7, IP8, IP9 IP10, IP11, IP12, IP13, IP14

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices

Collection Area: IP1, IP2, IP3, IP4, IP5, IP6, IP7, IP8, IP9, IP10, IP11, IP12, IP13, IP14

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South West

Bristol

St Peter’s Hospice

Collection Area: BS4, BS5, BS7, BS9, BS15, BS16, BS20, BS21 with a limited collection in BS41 and BS48

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Devon

Children’s Hospice South West

Collection Area: EX31, EX32, EX33, TQ1, TQ2, TA1, TA2, TA3

Hospice Care

Collection Area: EX1, EX2, EX3, EX4, EX8, EX14 1, EX14 2, EX14 3

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Dorset

Diverse Abilities

Collection Area: BH3, BH4, BH5, BH6, BH7, BH8, BH9, BH10, BH11, BH12, BH13, BH14, BH15, BH16, BH17, BH18, BH21, BH22, BH23 1, BH23 2, BH23 3, BH31

Weldmar Hospicecare

Collection Area: DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, DT5, DT6, DT8, DT9, DT10, DT11

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Somerset

St Margaret’s Hospice Care

Collection Area: BA5, BA20, BA21 and BA22 8 and BA22 9, TA1, TA2, TA3 5, TA3 6, TA4 1, TA4 2, TA4 3, TA5 2, TA6 3, TA6 4, TA6 5, TA6 7, TA21 8, TA21 9

Dorothy House

Collection Area: BA1, BA2, BA3, BA4, BA11, BA12, BA13, BA14, BA15, SN12, SN13, SN14, SN15, BS31, SN11 and SN16.

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Wiltshire

Salisbury Hospice Charity

Collection Area: P1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5, SP6, SP7 (new for this collection) and SP9

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South East

Berkshire

Thames Hospice

Collection Area: Datchet, Wraysbury, Horton and SL4, SL5

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Buckinghamshire

Willen Hospice

Collection Area: MK1 – MK17, MK19, MK43, MK46 and LU7

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East Sussex

Rotary Brighton And Hove

Collection Area: BN3 2, BN3 3, BN3 4, BN3 5 & BN3 6

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Hampshire

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care

Collection Area: BH1 – BH23

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Kent

Pilgrims Hospices

Collection Area: Check website

Heart of Kent Hospice

Collection Area: ME14 3 – ME14 4 – ME14 5, ME15 6 – ME15 7 – ME15 8, ME16 0 – ME16 8, ME19 4 – ME19 6, ME20 6 – ME20 7

Weldmar Hospicecare

Collection Area: SP7, SP8

Demelza – Hospice Care for Children

Collection Area: ME8, ME9, ME10, TN1, TN2, TN4, TN9, TN10

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Oxfordshire

Katharine House Hospice

Collection Area: Various OX7 and OX15 postcodes

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Surrey

Weston Green Scouts

Collection Area: KT6, KT7, KT8, KT10 0xx and KT10 8xx

Princess Alice Hospice

Collection Area: KT8, KT10, KT11, KT12, KT13

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West Sussex

St Wilfred’s Hospice

Collection Area: PO18 to PO22

Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice

Collection Area: Bognor Regis, Brighton and Hove, Crawley, Shoreham-by-Sea or Southwick

Horsham Scouts

Collection Area: Horsham Town and the surrounding villages of: Barns Green, Broadbridge Heath, Colgate, Cowfold, Faygate, Mannings Heath, Rudgwick, Rusper, Slinfold, Shipley, Southwater and Warnham.

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London

East London

Haven House

Collection Area: IG7, IG8, IG9, IG10, E4, E11 1, E11 2, E12 5, E18

Saint Francis Hospice

Collection Area: RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, RM5, RM6, RM7, RM11, RM12, RM13, RM14.

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South London

Demelza – Hospice Care for Children

Collection Area: BR1, BR5, BR7

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Wales

Denbighshire

St Kentigern

Collection Area: LL15, LL16, LL17, LL18, LL19, LL22, L28, LL29, CH6 and CH8

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Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire FRAME

Collection Area: Check website

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Wrexham

Nightingale House

Collection Area: Check website

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Northern Ireland

Belfast

Northern Ireland Hospice

Collection Area: North Belfast and the Newtownabbey Borough Council area.

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Channel Islands

Jersey

Jersey Hospice

Collection Area: Across the island

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Guernsey

Accidental Zoo

Collection Area: Check website

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How To Make A Space Saving Christmas Tree

Obviously as a Christmas tree delivery company, we LOVE Christmas trees, but understand that not everyone has the space for one. 

Real trees are about half as wide as they are tall, so you can expect a 6ft tall tree to be approximately 3ft wide. You could opt for a fraser fir which is slightly slimmer in shape, or perhaps a mini tree, but one other alternative is to create your very own wall mounted Christmas tree using real foliage.

Here at Christmastrees.co.uk, we’re going to show you how!

Here’s what you’ll need

Tools

Staple Gun — we will use this to attach our foliage to our pieces of wood

Staples — what use is a staple gun without staples?!

Shears — we will need this to trim the branches from our foliage to our desired size.  

Saw — The saw is required to cut the planks of wood to our required size.

Materials

Wood — we will use this to attach the foliage to, and fixate it to the wall for our tree. We have used pine wood measuring 6cm in width, you should be able to find this at most types of hardware stores.

Foliage — we’ve used Noble Fir foliage, which can usually be obtained from a florist, but you can use other foliage such as a Nordmann Fir, or even find an ugly or undesirable Christmas tree and cut that up. For our tree we used approximately 10 to 12 branches of varying sizes.

Command Strips — these are used to attach our planks of wood to the wall. We’ve used 2 multi packs of command strips each containing 8 pairs of large and 4 pairs of medium strips. These can be found on Amazon here. According to the Command Strips, they can be removed cleanly with no nail holes, cracked plaster or sticky residue. We tested it on our wall and it came off without removing any paint or leaving any marks, but please test it on your own wall first, and don’t use it on a wallpapered wall.

Lights and decorations — lights and decorations are optional, but no tree is complete without a topper! We’ve used handmade decorations from @heartfelt_decors, and battery powered mini lights with 100 LEDs measuring 5 metres in length.

Step 1 

Carefully saw your wood into 5 pieces, measuring 1 metre, 80cm, 60cm, 40cm, and 20cm in length. 

Step 2

One on side of the wood firmly attach each of the command strips (don’t peel the sticky side that will be added to the wall yet). The two longer pieces of wood will require 6 pairs of command strips each.

Step 3

Using the shears carefully cut your foliage from the branches into smaller pieces. 

Step 4

Use the staple gun to staple the foliage you’ve cut up onto the piece of wood, continue until it is fully covered on one side. Repeat this process for all the pieces of wood.  

Step 5

Lay your tree out on the floor to make sure you are happy with how it looks, add more foliage to areas you think may be a bit thin, and prune or cut any areas to ensure it is symmetrical and evenly covered. 

When it’s on the floor you can also get an idea of the ideal spacing you want between each of the ‘branches’ of your tree. The spacing on our tree is approximately 15cm’s between each. 

Step 6

Peel off the command strips from the reverse side of your ‘branches’ and begin attaching them to your wall. Starting with the largest branch at the bottom. Make sure to keep the pieces of wood even (you don’t want a wonky tree!), and space them out evenly on your wall.

Step 7

Once complete your tree should look something like this!

Step 8 (optional)

Add your Christmas lights and decorations, and there you have it, your own space saving, wall mounted Christmas tree, made with real foliage!

The Top 20 Most Popular Christmas Themed Baby Names

Choosing a name for a newborn isn’t an easy task, you’ll be deciding on a name that will likely be with someone for the rest of their life. 

With the festive season almost upon us, at Christmastrees.co.uk we analysed the latest UK data to reveal the 20 most popular Christmas themed baby names for boys and girls.

So whether you’re looking for inspiration, or you’re just simply curious, we’ve found the most popular names and meanings relating to lights, gifts, angels, and other names that recall the spirit of the Christmas season.

The Top 10 Most Popular Christmas Themed Names For Boys

Rank	Name	Number of births
1	Jack	2,900
2	Theodore	2,737
3	Joseph	1,437
4	David	1,047
5	Gabriel	888
6	Jesse	841
7	Michael	751
8	Felix	749
9	Jasper	727
10	Alfred	635

1. Jack

The name Jack means ‘God is Gracious’, but can also resemble Jack Frost, a popular character in English folklore who personifies winter. Jack Frost has inspired movies, literature, and music that appear each December, and is mentioned in the popular Christmas song ‘Chestnuts roasting on an open fire’. 

In 2020 there were 2,900 babies born with the name Jack, placing it at the top of our list for Christmas themed names, across all names born in the UK last year, Jack was ranked the 10th most popular. 

2. Theodore

A big part of Christmas are gifts, and the name Theodore literally means ‘God’s Gift’. Although of Greek origin, the name was popular among early Christians and it was borne by more than twenty saints.

Last year there were 2,737 newborns named Theodore. It also ranked 14th across all boys’ names born last year, up 123 places since a decade ago.

3. Joseph

Joseph’s relevance to Christmas should need no explanation, featured in the Bible as father to Jesus, and husband to Mary, the name Joseph means “increase or addition”.

In 2020, there were 1,437 babies born named Joseph, ranking 38th for all boys born last year.  

4. David

The name David means ‘beloved’ and is a popular biblical name. Poet Cecil Francis Alexander wrote a poem that inspired the classic Christmas carol Once in Royal David’s City. 

5. Gabriel

Gabriel was the angel who informed Mary that she would be giving birth to Jesus, and is an integral part to the Christmas story.  

6. Jesse

Jess is another name that is associated with gifting, Jesse is or Hewbrew origin and means gift. 

7. Michael

Keeping with the angelic theme of Christmas, in the Bible Michael was the archangel who led the other angels to victory in a war against Satan.

8. Felix

The name Felix is of Latin origin and means happy and prosperous. Which are both great traits that we associate with Christmas.

9. Jasper

Jasper is a variation of the name Caspar, who was one of the three kings who brought gifts for Jesus.  

10. Alfred

Alfred, originally Aelfread, is taken from the old English aelf which means “‘elf”. 

The Top 10 Most Popular Christmas Themed Names For Girls

Rank	Name	Number of births
1	Ivy	2,166
2	Grace	2,010
3	Evie	1,793
4	Bella	792
5	Lucy	755
6	Maria	744
7	Robyn	710
8	Holly	646
9	Maryam	592
10	Clara	570

1. Ivy

This festive evergreen has long been used during winter solstice celebrations to ward off evil spirits and celebrate new growth. 

Last year 2,166 babies were born named Ivy, ranking top on our list of Christmas themed names for girls. Across all baby girl names last year it placed 6th, and is up 221 places since 2010. 

2. Grace

Grace means eloquence, kindness and favor. The name itself does not have a direct tie to Christmas, but the sound and meaning have strong connotations of the festive season

2,010 newborn girls were named Grace last year, placing it 2nd on our list and ranking 11th across all baby girl names.

3. Evie

Evie is the Latin form of Eve, the name itself means living, and the night before, and you can’t get more festive than Christmas Eve.   

In 2020 there were 1,793 baby girls born named Evie.    

4. Bella

As in Christmas bells, it means beauty in Italian. The French origin of the name, ‘Belle’ was the long lost love of Scrooge in Charles Dickinson’s ‘Christmas Carol.’

5. Lucy

Lucy means ‘light’ and conjures up images of sparkling lights on the Christmas tree. 

6. Maria

Maria is the Latin version of Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. 

7. Robyn

Robyn means ‘bright fame’, and the red robin bird has become a symbol for Christmas, often being on Christmas cards and wrapping paper.  

8. Holly

From the holly tree. This plant with red berries is synonymous with Christmas and is often used to decorate homes

9. Maryam

Based on the original manuscripts of the New Testament, Maryam is the name of Mary the mother of Jesus.

10. Clara

Clara is another name related to light, and means ‘bright’ and ‘clear’, Clara is also the name of the little girl in The Nutcracker, the popular ballet typically performed during the Christmas season. 

Methodology: 

We identified Christmas-themed names using sources such as NameBerry and Ideas For Names. We then looked at UK Government data from the Office for National Statistics to find the number of children born with those names in 2020, and ranked them by order of popularity. 

Which Type Of Real Christmas Tree Should You Buy?

Buying a Christmas tree can be one of the most exciting parts of the festive season – they’re so much fun to decorate, and they’re a sign that Christmas Day is just around the corner!

However, when you’re shopping for real trees, it can be hard to know which variety is the right one for you. Your living space, family members, and holiday traditions can all affect your tree requirements. If you’re feeling unsure, this little guide will take you through everything you need to know, so that you’re sure to find the perfect real Christmas tree for you!

Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree

To make your choice easier, here are some of our favourite real Christmas trees, and why they might be the one for you!

Nordmann Fir

The Nordmann Fir is one of the nation’s most favourite tree varieties, and it’s easy to see why! Its main advantage is its excellent needle retention, making it perfect for those who love to put their tree up early.

It’s also a great idea if you’ve got pets or children. No one wants to worry about stray needles, so a variety with excellent needle retention is guaranteed to help keep your Christmas stress-free!

A Nordmann Fir Christmas tree will stay fresh and luscious all season long, and you’ll spend less time cleaning up after it, too! Our Nordmann Fir is sure to stay in great condition, and it’s sustainably grown in the UK, too.

Norway Spruce

The Norway Spruce is the ultimate traditional tree, and is sure to bring back treasured memories of childhood Christmas celebrations! A favourite of Prince Albert, its dark green needles and classic silhouette guarantee a picture-perfect Christmastime.

The Norway Spruce is also an ideal choice for those who want that authentic Christmas tree scent. Its rich aroma will last all December long, and is sure to get you in the mood for festive celebrations, too!

Our Norway Spruce Christmas trees are expertly hand-cultivated and pruned, to ensure a high quality plant every time!

Fraser Fir

As a more compact option, a Fraser Fir is the perfect way to bring some Christmas grandeur to even the smallest of spaces! Its symmetrical, conical silhouette makes it a perfect choice for smaller rooms, or tucking away into a corner!

The tree also boasts a beautiful blue green colour, with very little needle drop and a classic Christmas tree scent. It’s certainly a great all-rounder, and comes in a range of sizes, too!

Korean Fir

If you’re looking for something a little different, why not consider a Korean Fir? It has a beautiful variegated colouration of deep greens and silvery blues, and even comes with delicate indigo pine cones growing on its branches!

Whilst a Korean Fir is certainly unique, its delicious pine scent still gives a traditional Christmas feel. It’s also an excellent selection for those looking for a cut tree that will hold on to its needles all throughout December, so it’s sure to be a beautiful addition to your home!

Pot Grown Trees

You may be concerned about the impact of real Christmas trees on the environment. Fortunately, our hand-cultivated trees are ethically and sustainably sourced, and have a far lower environmental impact than artificial trees.

Our Pot-Grown trees are some of the most eco-friendly, as they’re grown in the same pot they’re sold in, which preserves the root system and allows them to be re-planted once the festive season has passed! We grow potted trees in 3 different varieties, so it’s easy to choose your favourite.

Best Overall

Our best overall pick has to be the Fraser Fir. With longlasting needles, a beautiful festive aroma, and unique colouration, it’s sure to bring something special to your festive celebrations!

When Should You Put Your Christmas Tree Up?

Everyone has their own Christmas tree traditions, from favourite decorations, to where the tree should go in the house – and just when to put it up is no exception!

Some people prefer to stay as close to Christmas Day as possible, whereas others love to get festive as early as November! Traditionally, trees would be decorated on Christmas Eve, which might seem a little late, but at least it guarantees your tree is still looking fresh on the big day itself!

Whilst having a real tree can truly bring some extra magic to your festive celebrations, many people worry that they won’t be able to last the weeks leading up to Christmas. With so much conflicting advice, it can be hard to know when is the right time to put up your tree! If you’re feeling unsure, this little guide will take you through everything you need to know, to ensure your tree is still looking luscious come Christmas Day.

Putting Up Your Christmas Tree

Deciding to put up your Christmas tree as early as November can certainly get you in the festive spirit, but it might be best for those who prefer artificial trees.

Like all plants, Christmas trees will begin to wilt a certain amount of time after being cut. There are some great ways to help keep your tree fresher for longer, but no one wants a tree that has lost all of its needles before the big day!

Traditional approaches to putting up your Christmas tree and decorations may seem far too late in the month, but there’s actually a reason behind waiting as long as possible!

When Christmas trees first came into use in the Victorian era, many people chose to wait, to ensure that their Christmas decorations would be as beautiful as possible for Christmas Day.

Most families either chose to either put their tree up 12 days before Christmas (13th December) or on the afternoon of Christmas Eve.

However, since the creation of artificial trees, and newer varieties of real Christmas trees that last longer, people have been putting up their Christmas trees much earlier.

Advent is an important date in the Christian calendar, and marks the weeks before the birth of Jesus, it starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year the start of Advent falls on the 28th November, so following Christian tradition this is the date you would put up your Christmas tree. 

Truthfully, you can put up your Christmas tree whenever you would like, other popular dates are the 1st December and the first saturday of December. 

Ultimately, the choice is up to you, different types of Christmas trees will last longer than others, but try not to go any earlier than December 1st, to ensure your Christmas tree is as fresh as possible throughout the entire festive season.

How can I keep my Christmas trees fresher for longer?

Once you’ve put up your tree, there are a few handy ways to keep it looking freshly cut all December long!

The main factor is moisture. As soon as you get your tree home, you need to put the trunk in some water. This way, your tree will be able to keep circulating nutrients, which will prevent needle loss and drooping. Keep in mind that trees need a lot of water, so it’s important to keep refilling your tree stand often.

Another thing to remember is that trees don’t like extreme temperatures. Everyone loves a cosy home at Christmas, but try to keep your tree away from hot radiators or draughty windows if possible! Keeping your trees at a constant, moderate temperature will ensure that they don’t start to droop too soon!

When to Take Down Your Christmas Tree

Putting up your Christmas tree is incredibly exciting – but taking it back down again can be a bit of a sad affair. We all want to prolong the Christmas magic as long as possible – which includes delaying taking down the tree!

Interestingly, there’s a lot of history behind when we put up and take down our Christmas trees, and a lot of families have their own traditions. Many people tend to take decorations down when their real tree begins to wilt, but others tend to be a bit stricter, in order to avoid ill fortune for the new year.

If you’re unsure on just when to take down your tree, then this little guide will help you to make the best decision. With advice on interesting traditions, and how to avoid any bad luck, taking your Christmas tree down will be effortless.

Taking Down Your Christmas Tree

It can be tricky to find the right time to take your Christmas tree down, especially if you’re not ready to let go of the festive season. Here are a few common traditions, to help you pick the best date for you.

Twelfth Night

Everyone has heard of the 12 days of Christmas – but these actually begin on the big day itself, and end around the 5th of January each year. When Christmas trees first came into use, many people wouldn’t actually put up their Christmas tree and decorations until December 24th – in time for the first day of Christmas the following day.

Whilst we usually think of the 3 wise men visiting the baby Jesus on that first day, they actually arrived on the Twelfth Night of Christmas. Many families try to have their Christmas decorations taken down by day 12, due to fears it could bring ill fortune to leave them up any longer!

Two Weeks After Christmas

Similar to the Twelfth Night tradition, several families choose to put away their decorations once two weeks have passed since the 25th. Many do this to avoid affecting their luck for the new year, but it’s also just a good time to tidy away anything festive. By the time two weeks have passed since Christmas Day, it’s usually approaching mid January, which is a great point to start focusing on the exciting new year ahead!

When Your Tree Starts to Wilt

If you prefer having real trees in your home, they can be a good indicator of when it’s time to pack away your decorations. With the right care and attention, real trees can last for weeks in good condition. However, when they start to dry out and lose needles, they won’t look as attractive, and it can be a sign to clear away the Christmas ornaments!

It’s also important to keep in mind that an older, dried out tree can actually be a fire hazard. For this reason, it’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your tree once Christmas has passed, and correctly dispose of it once it has wilted.

Overall

Ultimately, when to put your tree away is up to you. Whether you’re looking to avoid misfortune, or simply want a convenient time to clear up, it’s best to pick a date that works for you and your family. Once Twelfth Night has passed, there’s only 355 days until you’ll need to have everything back up again, anyway!

Where Did the Christmas Tree Originate?

Christmas may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your Christmas tree up for longer. 

It’s an iconic symbol that we all know and love. For some, a pine, spruce, or fir tree is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Christmas, as well as a mug of mulled wine or a church service on Christmas eve!

But just where did Christmas trees come from?

Well, that’s what we’ll be tackling today! In this article, we’ll give you a concise history of the Christmas tree – from pagans to pine needles. Celebrated and loved across the world in winter festivals, with many countries having their own national Christmas tree, these iconic symbols have a wealth of symbolism behind them.

So, if you’re a history buff, or you just want to know the foundation of your fir trees, read on!

The Symbolism of Christmas Trees

For hundreds – and even thousands – of years, trees have been decorated and used in winter celebrations. For example, in Ancient Egypt, the winter solstice would forever be marked by the decoration of palms at the Temples of Ra, the Sun god.

Similarly, many pagans throughout history would mark the solstice with branches and leaves from trees as a reminder of the spring to come. The Christmas tree became important even to Romans, who would decorate their temples with fir trees during Saturnalia – a festival in honour of Saturn occurring between the 17th and 23rd of December.

Moreover, these evergreens had noted significance within Christian traditions. Historically, paradise trees were firs decorated with apples and represented the Tree of Knowledge from the Garden of Eden.

The First Christmas Tree

Whilst trees themselves have a rich, historic symbolism, it’s harder to pinpoint the time at which Christmas trees were widely introduced and accepted as part of winter celebrations.

Many people believe the origin to be rooted in the 16th century, where Martin Luther first added candles to an evergreen.

However, it’s also commonly accepted that the first representation of a Christmas evergreen comes from historic Germany, where a private home in Turckheim, Alsace, boasted a keystone sculpture dated to 1576. Even earlier than this, the first Christmas trees themselves are documented to have been used in Eastern Europe – Tallinn (1441) and Riga (1510) to be precise.

What About Ornaments?

It’s true that you can’t have a Xmas tree without baubles, so just where did these fancy decorations come from? Unsurprisingly…Germany again!

The first Christmas baubles were made in the 1840s by local craftsman, Hans Greiner, who lived in Lauscha.

Victorian Christmas Trees

Moving forwards in time to the 19th century (that’s the 1800s), the first Christmas trees appeared in England to the credit of Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria.

Originally from Germany, Albert implemented a program – with Victoria – in 1848, to send decorated evergreens to barracks and schools around Windsor. What’s more, the couple is famously noted for housing a luxurious Christmas tree at Windsor Castle – and this is well-documented in the Queen’s journal!

Modern Christmas Trees

Nowadays, we know the modern Christmas tree as a staple to our Christmas traditions. From the United States to Europe, and pretty much across the world, this everlasting symbol is a hallmark of any family Christmas.

Many opt for artificial Christmas trees, whilst the more puritan tree fanatics will buy from a tree farm. Though evergreens are commonplace, some people even prefer an oak tree – who’d have thought?

Whatever your preferences this Christmas, whether you’ll opt for real or artificial trees, it’s a given that the humble tree will always remain an important part of Crimbo celebrations.

How To Change Your Christmas Tree into a ‘Valentines Tree’

Christmas may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your Christmas tree up for longer. 

Christmas trees and decorations are usually taken down on twelfth night, which is either the 5th or 6th of January (depending on when you count from). 

A new trend on Instagram has seen people repurpose their Christmas tree into a ‘Valentines Tree’ — and we are absolutely here for it. 

The trend has become increasingly popular with over 3,600 uploading photos to Instagram using the hashtag #ValentinesTree

So how do you make a Valentines Tree?

There are no hard and fast rules to creating a Valentines Tree, but you will of course need a tree.  Simply replace your festive decorations and adorn them with something a little more romantic. Swap the candy canes for candy hearts, reindeer for teddy bears, wreaths for roses, and angels for cupid. 

Take a look below for some inspiration!

Add Hearts

One of the ways you can easily turn your tree into a Valentines Tree is by removing your Christmas themed decorations and replacing them with hearts. @Aimtobeorganized2017 on Instgram has opted to retain their fairy lights and added some lovely red hearts which have been complemented with smaller silver coloured heart decorations.

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A post shared by Angie | Professional Organizer (@aimtobeorganized2017)

@Aimtobeorganized2017 said “My husband didn’t want to take down the Christmas tree so I made it a Valentine’s tree. Normally I don’t even decorate for Valentine’s Day but if 2020 taught me anything…love gets you through the tough times so why not have a love tree for a couple months?”

Make It Pink

White and pink artificial trees lend themselves well to being repurposed for Valentines, so if like @amanda_8619 you’ve got one, simply decorate in a way that captures the Valentines theme. If you don’t have a pink tree you could make some pink garland or ribbon to put around your tree.

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A post shared by Amanda Carlson (@amanda_8619)

Use Teddy Bears

Teddy bears can make a great addition to your Valentines Tree, small ones can be placed within the tree or used as a topper, while larger and heavier cuddly toys can be placed under the tree.

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A post shared by Ellis Jewelers Kernersville (@ellis_jewelers_kernersville)

Use Old Valentines Day Cards

Decorate your Valentines Tree using cards from previous Valentines Day’s. Simply find some old Valentines Day cards, or purchase some new ones and add them to your tree using pegs, and voila, you have a Valentines Tree.

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A post shared by Courtney Harms (@vintage__charms)

No Christmas Tree? Decorate A Plant Instead

There are no hard and fast rules to making your own Valentines Tree, so if you don’t have a Christmas tree to repurpose, you can use pretty much any plant you may have.

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A post shared by Motherhood+lifestyle+DIY (@yochabel_b)

Real vs Fake Trees: Which Is Best for the Environment?

Ah, Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year, as many recall. When you picture a perfect Christmas, it’s not uncommon to think of gathering around with your family and decorating your tree.

You may be gearing up to buy yourself an artificial tree, or perhaps you’re more a fan of buying a real tree from Christmas tree farms. But did you ever stop to think about the environmental impact?

If you’ve been sat at home with a mug of mulled wine, wondering whether a real or fake tree is more eco-friendly, wonder no more!

We take you through everything you need to know about real versus fake Christmas trees ensuring you can have a holly, jolly, eco-friendly Christmas!

We’ll be breaking down the key issues with each tree so you can make an informed decision this Christmas.

Let’s get to it!

The Christmas Tree Debate

In our eco-conscious modern times, people are more and more concerned about whether real trees are more environmentally-friendly than artificial ones. It’s true, both types have their benefits and drawbacks.

Whether you’re more concerned about the aesthetics and making sure your tree doesn’t clash with your brand new rug, or you’re anxious about the inevitable spill of pine needles, you’ll have been considering this Crimbo conundrum before eco-consciousness was cool.

However, now that environmental impacts are being considered, there’s a lot to think about! Many people consider artificial trees to be more environmentally-friendly than a genuine one, and you’d be forgiven for thinking so.

Unfortunately, it’s a lot more complicated than that!

The Facts

Did you know that, according to The Carbon Trust, you’d have to use an artificial tree for at least 10 years in order to have the same level of carbon footprint as a real Christmas tree?

If you didn’t – and we don’t blame you – have a read below of our pros and cons of each type of tree. We’ve compiled the most reputable information around to show you some truths you may not have considered!

Artificial Trees

Whilst artificial pines are certainly less messy than real trees, given that you don’t have stray pine needles clogging up your hoover, they’re not actually as eco-friendly as you’d initially expect.

According to the Carbon Trust, the average artificial Christmas tree is made of PVC plastic. This comes from oil – immediately meaning that these types have a higher level of emitted carbon.

What’s more, you’ll want to consider where your tree ends up after usage. Artificial types are non-recyclable and will end up in a landfill whether you’ve used them for the recommended ten years, or a single year.

Real Christmas Trees

Despite popular belief, a real tree actually is better for the environment.

Most of these pines are purposely planted for the occasion, on purpose-built farms. This means that they’re grown safely and are not ripped out of a forest, as you might imagine.

What’s more, authentic pines are 100% recyclable! They’re also not going to cause any harmful greenhouse gas emissions, meaning all in all the level of carbon dioxide emissions will be much lower.

The Verdict

As always, we know there are numerous factors to consider. Authentic pines look and smell incredible, whilst fake ones are an easy way to cut costs.

However, if you’re truly looking to slash your carbon emissions – go natural (pssst you could even get your Christmas tree delivered by us).