Buying your Christmas tree a month in advance is possible, but by following a few tips

CHRISTMAS – You were walking quietly, not at all intending to buy the precious tree so early, but at the corner of a street, they are there. They were just waiting for you. It's not yet December that Christmas trees are already out in nurseries and garden centers, and it's hard to resist buying them. But isn't it too early?

The French are buying their Christmas tree more and more in advance. A YouGov poll that HuffPost published in 2023 showed that 38% of us decorated our house on the first weekend of December.

And that's not necessarily a good thing, Vincent Houis, leader of the French Natural Christmas Tree Association (AFSNN), told us a few years ago. He judged « regrettable » this constant advancement of the purchase dates of the trees. However, by paying attention to the maintenance of your Christmas tree, it is entirely possible to buy it this November 30 and keep it up until the big day.

This is especially true for Nordmann, fir trees native to the temperate regions of Western Asia and known for the robustness of their needles. “For the Nordmann, there is no ideal purchase date. Especially this year, it's cold, it's rainy, we have less to worry about losing the needles, explains Vincent Houis. On the contrary, it is better to buy it at the beginning of the period because you have more choice. At the end of the month, only those who are less robust remain. »

Take very good care of Spruce trees

Spruce trees, on the other hand, hold up less. This second most sold type of fir in France is more European and is found in Western Europe as well as in Scandinavia. Although it loses its needles more quickly than Nordmann, it is, however, more odorous. “They don't last as long so if they are bought early, a water reserve is essential. It is possible to put it in a bucket. By being well hydrated, it can hold up”says Vincent Houis.

So forget, as much as possible, fir trees whose base is embedded in a log, very practical for them to stand upright, but which makes it impossible to hydrate them.

Then, to put all the chances on your side, you have to use a little common sense. “Do not buy a tree that is already losing its needles, do not install it near a heat source or a bay window”details Vincent Houis. It doesn't matter how much light it receives, however: having already been cut, it is dead, so photosynthesis no longer takes place. No need to spray water on the fir needles either. It is the base of the tree which must be in a tray of water.

That's it, you know everything, all you have to do is choose the most beautiful tree. And don't forget, it seems that putting up your Christmas decorations in advance would make you happier…

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