Those with smaller spaces, and especially those who live in apartments, are often concerned with size when it comes to purchasing a Christmas tree, either real or artificial. Fortunately, trees of all kinds now come in a variety of sizes to suit all spaces. Having a Christmas tree is no longer dependent upon having the space for one, since you can purchase a tree small enough to fit on a tabletop.
For those apartment dwellers who still want a full-sized tree, you’ll have to be aware of your space. Choose the location for your tree, and measure. Measure the height of your room. Measure the height of your tree stand and tree topper. Take the height of your room, subtract the tree stand and topper, then subtract a further two inches. This is the maximum height of any tree your space can support.
Measure the circumference of the space you’ve chosen. If there’s only three feet of space, then purchasing a tree that’s four feet wide will only cause frustration. Once you have this measurement, consider how you will get your tree into your apartment. For those with elevators or small stairwells, this may be a major concern. You might have the space for a huge tree in your apartment, but if you can’t get it in, you’ll be disappointed. Again, use your tape measure to make sure.
When you finally go out to purchase your tree, make sure you bring that same tape measure with you. If purchasing a real tree, choose a pine or fir tree. These trees drop their needles with less frequency, which will help with cleanup, and you won’t leave as much of a mess in the hallway when transporting your tree. Measure your tree accurately before purchasing. Do not rely on the sales person’s guess. If you have to, ask the attendants to cut a larger tree down to size for you.
You might prefer an artificial tree, or perhaps your apartment doesn’t allow for real trees. In this case, you’ll still need your tape measure. The measurements on a box are sometimes not quite accurate. Look for stores that have displays, and measure those display trees. And just in case, ask about the return policy. An artificial tree can look just as real, and if you want it to smell real, add a few drops of pine essential oil to a cup of water and gently mist of over the artificial tree. The scent will waft through your apartment and last through the holidays.
When you finally settle on a tree and get it home, decorate it with care and add presents at its base for a more festive atmosphere. Invite your friends and family over to see your new tree, and remember to enjoy the holidays.
