Of course the question arises; is an artificial tree really the answer? First of all, any product, thus also an artificial tree, after it has stopped serving its purpose finally ends up at a landfill and it is clear that plastic waste places an unnecessary burden on nature. It is also a matter of cost because a high quality artificial tree is expensive. And the last argument in favour of live trees is that these can be bought from plantations where they are cultivated in much the same way as flowers for cutting, or as a container grown tree which if treated with care can be planted in the garden. In any case, interest for cut down trees as well as container grown ones is constantly on the rise.

What about the cost?

A customer is expected to pay between 800 and 1000 crowns for an artificial tree of around two metres in height. For a taller tree, one has to add approximately 500 crowns for each additional half meter. Depending on the type of tree, trees from plantations cost around 300 crowns with the silver spruce being more expensive. It is also possible to buy trees derived from forest thinning and these can be bought directly from the forestry quite cheaply, usually for around one hundred crowns, sometimes even less, the costs increases if the tree has to be transported. The prices of trees derived from thinning, in particular pines, are much higher this year.

Will there be enough trees to go around?

Last year there was a deficit of cut trees in some areas but it is expected that this year there will be enough. This is to be seen for example in the large business centres of Prague, where trees of various heights can be bought without problem. Farm grown silver spruces are often in the bid. If the offer does not comply with your needs it is possible to order a custom made tree. According to one report there is tree manufactured by a Japanese jewellers in Osaka made of gold. It weights 21 kilograms and costs about 30 million crowns.

How to decorate the tree

With this year’s frontal attack against Santa Clause (on 19th December at 1p.m. a demonstration of snow-men under the password: We have outlived děda Mráz (the Russian Santa), we will also outlive Santa Clause! See : www.zachrantejeziska.cz (Available only in Czech) and in the evening from 5 p.m. the expulsion of Santa Clause on Wenceslas Square) it is good to remember that the decoration of tree should be traditional. In the past decorations were made of natural materials like dried fruits, nuts, poppy heads and of course decorations made of straw, wood, wooden chips or carved. These can be bought at various markets but also in shops because the popularity of straw decorations has inspired Chinese business men who have supplied the market well this year. Inspiration can be found at the Christmas Exhibition in Betlémská Chaple in Prague (www.vanocnivystava.cz Available only in Czech).

I am all tangled up

If you are wondering what the countess, whose hair had been tousled by the wind, had in her mind when she said: Oh, I am all tangled up, then bear in mind that this was a reference to a plait, which often served as a substitute for a Christmas tree. It is a kind of structure made of brushwood which is stuck into a flower pot, to which pine branches, straw and perhaps even decorations are added. Tradition is tradition, but it does make you wonder what children used to Christmas trees would have to say about that.

Drastic novelty

Are you aware of the fact that Christmas tree can be returned? The Consumers Defence Association (hereinafter abbreviated to SOS) had already considered inquiries whether you can make a complaint regarding cut and container grown trees and the answer is yes. Only under certain conditions though.

As regards coniferous trees derived from forest thinning it holds that this concerns a consumer product to which a two year guarantee should apply, however, in this case it is not possible as this is a plant which cannot lasts two years and the complaint has to be made within two months, stated Ivana Picková, a speaker for SOS. In this case, if the needles fall of the tree for example in the second or third day after purchase the tree can be claimed. The Česká obchodní inspekce (Czech Business Inspection) says that the guarantee for a cut tree ends the second day after purchase. If you are interested in this issue look for details on the following address: www.spotrebitele.info.

And finally firemen

The most frequent fires of Christmas trees are caused by candles. It is not only trees that catch fire (it has been reported that last year there was only one), but also advent wreaths which are not all manufactured to withstand burning candles, tablecloths and kitchens where baking or roasting is going on… Petr Kopáček, a member of the Fire Brigade of the Czech Republic (abbreviated to HZS) also knows a lot about Christmas fires. The Christmas season belongs among the more peaceful periods of the year, however, despite all the warnings there are fires and this happens only due to lack of care and non adherence to safety rules, stated P. Kopáček. Last year, between 24th December and 1st January firemen had to intervene in 651 fires and on Christmas Eve there were 70 fires, the highest figure since 2000. And do not laugh, during these “festive fires” there were five persons who died and another 43 were injured. Damages amounted to 50 million crowns. So please pay attention to candles, sparklers and fireworks, as well as to overheated ovens and grills etc.