The cost of . . . Christmas trees
By Kate Morse • Bankrate.com

Whether you prefer to trek out into the snowy winter and cut your own tree, choose a precut tree or order one online from the comfort of your couch and have it appear on your doorstep, the tree is one of the most enjoyable things about Christmas. Not only do presents reside under its branches, but it can also be a creative outlet for your decorating talents.

The tradition of lighting a tree for Christmas dates to 16th-century Germany. Many Christians decorated trees, including Martin Luther. One story goes that he was inspired to put candles on his tree while walking home one night. He noticed the stars sparkling through the pine trees and was struck by the effect. It captivated him so much that he decided to decorate the tree in his house with lighted candles in an attempt to recreate the beauty of the brilliant night sky among the pines.

In America, however, the Christmas tree idea took longer to root. Americans were reluctant to adopt this tradition, which was considered an unorthodox and even pagan practice up until the middle of the 19th century. The Puritans in New England adamantly opposed the idea, and it was against the law in the late 1600s to commemorate Christmas in any way other than by attending church. No decorations or celebrations were tolerated.

Today, Christmas trees are a nationwide industry. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are about 15,000 Christmas-tree growers in North America, and Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states.

Two of the most well-known Christmas trees in America today are the White House tree, which is a Noble fir, and the tree at Rockefeller Center, a Norway spruce, in New York City. If you can't make it to the city this holiday season, you can still see this world-famous tree on the Rockefeller Center Web site.

When you are ready to get your own tree, there are several options.

U-cut-'em trees
Christmas-tree farms can be fun for the whole family and get you in the holiday spirit. At many of the farms, you can either cut your own or pick out one already cut. Don't expect a discount just because you cut the tree yourself. In most cases, the pricing is about the same for precut and you-cut-'em. The type of tree and size are the main price factors. Don't forget to recycle your tree when the holiday season comes to a close.

Artificial trees
If you're looking for a tree with the least amount of hassle, an artificial one might be the best choice. The easiest way to get one is by mail order, and some even come pre-decorated with Christmas lights.

However you decide to get your tree, there are a wide range of types and sizes to choose from:

-- Updated: Nov. 26, 2002