Nothing screams the holidays more than the fresh scent of cedar and pine.  The fragrance of evergreens have always played a large role in the spirit of Christmas.  Along with mistletoe and holly, evergreens have been a symbolic role in the holiday season throughout the centuries. 

Dating back to primitive European tribes, evergreens were hung over their doorways to welcome winter spirits in the hopes of receiving good health and fortune.  Evergreens were a sign of good luck and brought hope of a prosperous spring. To many ancient people, holiday evergreens symbolized everlasting life because they stayed green and alive when other plants appeared brown and dead. Romans would decorate their homes with evergreens to celebrate the Festival of Saturnalia, the god of agriculture. 

Decking the halls with boughs of holly was another special tradition because hollys shiny leaves and red berries were considered magical during the middle of winter and ensured good dreams when hung over the bed.  Mistletoe was a symbol of love and forgiveness to the Drudis and Scandinavians and thought to have powers of fertility.
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Decorating your home with your favorite evergreens has been a long lasting tradition.  From celebrating the the winter solstice to filling the air with Christmas spirit, evergreens will bring joy to the holidays and remind us all that spring will soon come again.  

​Environmental Impact:
Christmas trees support wildlife, provide oxygen for mother earth, grow in soils that don't support other crops, benefit soil stabilization and water erosion.  Artificial trees are petroleum-based and created in factories that emit carbon monoxide. 

Renewability:
For every Christmas tree cut and sold, three new seedlings take its place. Artificial trees last an average of 3-5 years and are disposed in a landfill and take centuries to dispose while real Christmas trees are biodegradable.
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Recyclable:
Christmas trees can be recycled in a variety of way from mulch, fish habitats to elephant food.

To find out more fun facts, benefits of buying a real Christmas tree and where to recycle your tree click the link below!