We usually buy a real Christmas tree around December 12-13, but during the previous two years, when we visited our favourite Home Depot Canada store, the tree selection was sparse. This is, I assume, due to a Christmas tree shortage because we have always bought our tree at that time and there has usually been a great selection. So this year, we decided to get our Christmas tree early and visited Home Depot Canada on December 6.
To our delight, there was a large number of trees waiting to be chosen in the tree lot, including Fraser Fir and Balsam Firs. Because it had snowed about 10 centimetres the night before, the trees were covered in a blanket of snow. This made them difficult to size up without removing the snow first. I always bring a small pair of scissors with me to cut the twine on the tree so that I can see the tree spread fully out. That way, you can avoid buying trees that are not bushy or well-shaped, or that have bald spots.
After shaking off the snow, we looked at about four or five trees. The first ones were tall and narrow while the other ones were either too short or not bushy enough. We found our perfect tree within about 10 minutes and went to find a Home Depot Canada salesperson to cut a few inches off the bottom of the tree and slide it into the twine. [Just a side note: one year, I bought a fresh Christmas tree and had a few inches cut off the bottom, but left my tree in my car for six or seven hours while I had dinner with my friends. When I got home and put my tree in the tree stand, little did I know that the bottom had sealed up and would not absorb any water. My Christmas tree ended up drying out a good five days before Christmas! So I learned the hard way that once the bottom of the tree is cut, it must be placed in water in your Christmas tree stand ideally within an hour or the tree will seal and not be able to absorb water.]
We were able to quickly find a Home Depot Canada salesperson to cut our tree. I had to laugh because he was wearing shorts (and a long sleeve shirt and jacket) despite it being -1C outside! He re-wrapped our tree in twine, which makes it so much easier to fit the tree into the trunk of the car and to carry it into the house. Home Depot Canada salespeople will even help you put the tree into your car trunk if you need it.
We love to go to Home Depot Canada to buy a real Christmas tree because the experience is effortless and we are usually very happy with our tree. I can’t wait to relax by our Christmas tree, watch some classic Christmas movies and enjoy some of these delicious holiday appetizers.
You might be interested in reading, “Family Friendly Christmas Events in Toronto“.
Such a great tip and I love that there was snow on the trees! My boys would have gotten such a kick out of that. We never get any snow here.
The only thing was you had to shake the snow off the trees so that you could see what the tree looked like! Cheers, Lori
Nice. I’d love to have a real tree one day with space to store it in. -1C in shorts is bravery!
I know…I couldn’t believe that guy was wearing short lol. Cheers, Lori
wow! sounds like a great idea! I wish they make it in more places.
I know that real Christmas trees are not available everywhere! Cheers, Lori
A rel tree is a lovely addition. It feels so much more Christmas themed with a real tree xx
That’s how I feel but that’s because we have always had a real Christmas tree. Cheers, Lori
Ohw wow! wish we could have that option here. A real Christmas Tree will totally add a merrier spirit and excitement to everyone. Great share!
I realize real Christmas trees are not available everywhere! Cheers, Lori
I have actually never bought a real Christmas tree, I need to do that at least once.
I guess it depends on where you live and whether real trees are available there. I love the smell of a real Christmas tree! Cheers, Lori
I have always dreamed of getting a real Christmas tree but unfortunately, it’s not available here in the Philippines. I had no idea that you had no idea on how to take care of one but thank you for the tip about it sealing up. I learned something new today. Thank you for sharing.
Oh yes! I learned that tip the hard way! Cheers, Lori
wow, I wish more places did this, such a great tip.
It’s so convenient to get your Christmas tree at Home Depot! Cheers, Lori
Comments are closed.