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It doesn’t truly feel like Christmas until the Christmas tree is up and decorated, we can all agree on that right?! Honestly, my parents are a little TOO into the whole Christmas tree thing, and if you think I’m kidding, I’m not! With a total of seven trees, three of them freshly cut and four of them artificial; Christmas trees really symbolize the season for my family and I. So it was of no surprise to Matt and I when our apartment didn’t feel complete in December of 2016. At the time we were living in Dallas, far away from both of our families and lacking some of that holiday excitement that comes with decorating. In fact, it was our first Christmas living together; so we felt like we HAD to do something to make our apartment in the city, feel like a home. Spontaneously enough, one day we went out, purchased a tree and learned a few lessons along the way. 

I know not all of us can be home for the holidays, so if you’re on your own this holiday season, and don’t quite know how to do the whole tree thing; don’t you worry. Because today, Matt and I are going to share 5 tips for first time Christmas tree buyers. We sure did learn a lesson or two, when we first purchased our tree, so with that in mind, we hope this post makes decking the halls a tad easier and way more fun.  

5 Tips For First Time Christmas Tree Buyers Guide

#1) Bring The Proper Footwear: Whether you’re heading out to a local Christmas tree stand or heading to one of the many local farms to cut down your own tree; bringing the proper footwear is essential. Recently Matt and I have been wearing our Saltwater Duck Boots from Sperry, for any and all outdoor activities. Whether we’re chopping down a Christmas tree or decorating our house with Christmas lights, these durable, waterproof and rubber-soled boots, keep your feet warm, dry and preppy; even when the weather is frightful. All and all, we highly recommend adding them to your Christmas list as they’re currently ON SALE for $99! I mean, they are the perfect preppy gift for all. With that being said, snow arrived earlier than expected this year, and then quickly melted due to a peak in temperatures, leaving New England in a muddy state. So before driving up to New Hampshire Matt and I laced up our Duck Boots and prepared for whatever weather we ran into, on the Christmas tree farm; come rain, snow or muddy waters. 

#2) Measure Floor To Ceiling Height: Before you head out to buy your tree, whether it’s from a tree stand, local farm or from a box; always make sure to measure your ceiling height! We actually made this mistake AGAIN this year with a fake tree, oops. It’s not a huge deal but it will save you both time and money, in the long run. Simply before heading out to get your tree, make sure you have the area where you plan on placing your tree cleared and the measurements for the area, written down. Once you have an idea for how tall your ceilings are, deduct a foot or two to account for the Christmas tree stand, and or any decorations that might adorn the top of your tree. Our goal here is to avoid damaging the ceiling or having to cut the tree, once it’s in your house.   

#3) Have The Right Equipment:  Truthfully I wasn’t prepared to bring home my first Christmas tree. Matt and I decided to grab our first Christmas tree, spur of the moment, no puns intended; and that decision wasn’t ideal. You see I have an SUV, and due to rain, we just slide the tree into the trunk of my car; which was great for my apartment and our new tree; but left a TOTAL MESS inside my new car. So while Christmas tree farms often have axes and saws; here are a few things you should have with you when Christmas tree shopping. Bring a drop cloth or sheet to protect the inside or roofing of your car, a rag or wipes because it will be messy, the proper footwear aka Saltwater Duck Boots from Sperry, a working Christmas Tree stand (you’ll want to make sure your new tree will fit your current stand/support). Finally, don’t forget to charge and pack your camera! 

#4) Before Loading Up Your Tree, Give It A Shake:  Do I have to bring up the hay bale episode of 2018! If you don’t know what I’m talking about, head over to this Instagram post. But basically, to sum it up, you really should shake out your tree before putting it in your car or even worse inside your house. Your Christmas tree has been living outside for its entire life, so expect there to be a few bugs and maybe a mouse or two living inside! Try avoiding an incident like mine, by simply shaking out your tree before loading or unloading it. A good stomp, shake or shimmy should get those critters out of the tree and away from your home! 

#5) Keep The Tree Alive, Cut The Trunk: This tip is key if you find yourself buying a tree from a lot, home store or stand. Since these trees are precut it’s important to ask the associate helping you, to give your tree a fresh cut, before you head home. I actually learned this tip from my dad, who often helps my Uncle out with his Christmas tree lot. Apparently, a fresh cut trunk will enhance the lifespan of your tree, by a lot. A fresh cut allows your tree to efficiently drink from its new water supply, and with that in mind, make sure to check your tree’s water levels every day. You would be surprised how quickly trees will drink up water especially after a fresh cut. 

Okay, I hope this post inspired you to lace up your Saltwater Duck Boots, go out there, and bring home your first Christmas Tree. On that note, I’d love to hear any additional tips or favorite Christmas tree farms you’d like to recommend. Love hearing your suggestions as always. 

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Thank you, Sperry, for collaborating with and sponsoring this post! As always all opinions are my own.