Business Gifts Ideas for Christmas

Business Gifts Ideas For Christmas

By: Janet R.

Christmas is nearly approaching, carols and bright lights are everywhere. Christmas is the time where the change of atmosphere, the thick chilling air and festive ambiance are being awaited. This celebration is one of the grandest and biggest parties all over the world, where bountiful food, drinks and merry making are enjoyed by everyone. It is the season of love to spend with family and friends, and of course the eminent season of gift giving.

Receiving gifts during Christmas is one of our yearly traditional experiences. Whether you have acknowledged that your old enough to unwrap gift boxes, you ll still find yourself flashing back to times when you were a little kid, very excited to tear off the wrapped present from Santa. Giving gifts, on the other hand, is another scenario. You may find it easy when buying Christmas presents for your mom, dad, sister, brother and even your closest friends because you obviously know their preferences. But what if your colleagues and bosses at work are included in your who to buy gift list? Surprisingly, it is quite daunting and challenging to think of great gifts to give for career oriented people.

Because giving something wrapped for business people is quite a hard task not only for you but for many gift givers, you might tend to disregard this idea altogether. But then, that would be so pro grinch of you. After all, your colleagues and bosses are those people who have helped you ease your daily tasks. Your presents for them are a definite means to show concern for your workplace camaraderie and very basic human decency.

When shopping for business items, where the real challenge takes place, you should consider a few factors to lead you to the appropriate gift for them. First, gifts for business people must signify professionalism. Pick items that can function and be used at work. You can think of unique items rather than usual collections of office supplies. Consider personalized office accessories like personalized desk sets, pen holders, business card holders, desk clocks or other decorative business items. Think outside the box, ordinary accessories may also be turned into elegant looking memorabilia to accentuate his/her office appeal.

Also, your gifts are measurable by the degree of your relationship towards your receiver. Personalized gifts are enough to make a perfect Holiday gift for the most closest colleagues of yours, but not too perfect to cross boundaries for your not so close officemates. You don t want to seem like trying to be the center of everyone s attention or the bosses favorite. A personalized mug, pens and business card case are appropriate and can make very simple business gifts.

And for the final touch, be creative, look for business gifts that have charisma. Don t go with tasteless, dazzling and florid designs, but rather choose something that are simple and elegant to be recognized without seemingly looking too formal as well as inappropriate. Think of items that will ideally suit any business person s taste like metals, wood and leather. You may consider a leather business card holder or perhaps a silver money clip.

Author Resource:-> Jnet is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics. For more information on christmas gifts, visit the website http://mybusinessgifts.com/ and browse their extensive collection.

Article From Freebie Articles

10 Tips to Help Ease Holiday Stress

Don’t let another holiday season wear you down and frazzle your nerves. Following are some ideas that can help make Christmas, Thanksgiving and other holidays more enjoyable and less stressful.

1. Make a list and check it twice. Whether you are planning the feast, looking for gifts or just in charge of arrangements, making a list of things that need to be done or items that need to be purchased, helps to take the guesswork out of what needs to be done next. Plus if you stick to the list you can save money by not impulse buying and by taking advantage of any sales that come along. This way you know ahead of time what needs to be taken care of and it should eliminate some of the last minute stress worrying about what might have been forgotten.

2. Take a time out. Make it a routine to take time out for you. Spend 10-15 minutes, a couple of times a day, relaxing, exercising, listening to music, doing yoga, reading a book or taking a walk. The point is to spend some time recharging your battery. Whatever you enjoy doing, give yourself permission to decompress a couple of times a day and you’ll be amazed at how much more energy you have. Plus this helps to keep you focused on the task at hand while helping to eliminate stress throughout your day.

3. Start shopping in advance. Make you list early and start keeping an eye out for deals. Start keeping your eyes open for gifts throughout the year and by the time Christmas rolls around, or any other holiday for that matter, you will already be prepared. Plus this helps you to save quite a bit of green in the long run if you only buy items when they go on sale. Best of all you eliminate all those last minute hassles when looking for gifts which can save you time and a whole lot of stress.

4. Don’t forget to take care of you too. Things like sleep, diet and exercise have a profound effect on how much energy we have and how well we handle stress when it comes up. Help yourself to stay on top of your game by making sure your body gets enough sleep, the right foods and moderate exercise. By taking care of yourself you will find you have more energy and things don’t stress you out as much as they used to.

5. You don’t have to be everywhere at once. Married couples especially are subjected to this very common holiday stressor. They feel they have to attend all the family functions, no matter how hectic it may be for them. Decide before the holiday season where you will be going this year and then next year you can attend the other side. Or you can attend one family gathering one day and the next day attend the other, provided they are within a reasonable driving distance. The point is to take charge of your holiday obligations and decide in advance what you will and won’t be doing, thus eliminating stress and allowing you to have a more enjoyable holiday season.

6. Create a budget and stick to it. We all want to give the best gift we can possibly afford. Sometimes however we get a little carried away. Take heart however, great gifts can be found that won’t break the bank or your budget. By knowing in advance what you want to get, you can take advantage of any sales that come along. Each item you purchase has already been budgeted for, so when you only purchase it at the sale price you are saving yourself money. And saving yourself money is a great way to reduce stress, besides it’s not necessarily the cost of the gift but instead the thought that counts anyways.

7. Buy Green. Recycled items not only help the environment, items that are made of recycled products tend to cost less too. For a list of recycled gift ideas, looking online is a great place to start. Remember to create your list and stick to your budget. A smart shopper is a happy shopper and the more time and money you save, the less stressful those holidays will seem.

8. Stay at home this year. The holidays don’t always have to be filled with constant running, various responsibilities and countless obligations. Have the family stay home this year. Spend time baking cookies, playing in the snow, making decorations, playing games, finding and decorating the tree and whatever else you can think of doing. You’ll be spending quality time together as a family, while creating new holiday traditions and precious memories for years to come. Plus by eliminating all the running around you’ll find the holidays much more enjoyable and less stressful.

9. Give yourself a holiday. Before or even after the holidays, take a day or two to do something that you want to do. Whether it’s a small getaway or just a day at the spa, doing fun and relaxing activities will help you to unwind and recharge. Go golfing, get a massage, try yoga, go to a movie, go for a walk, whatever you choose to do, you’ll find the holiday season more enjoyable and less chaotic.

10. Share the holiday responsibilities. You don’t have to try to be superman or superwomen during the holiday season. Ask other family members to help with some of the planning and preparations. Sharing the responsibilities helps to take stress off of you while allowing others to have a chance at helping plus giving them a sense of accomplishment. Everyone will feel a sense of camaraderie, plus this is a great way to reconnect with various family members. After all the holidays are all about family, so the family gathering should also be about giving and receiving help during the festivities. Holidays are stressful enough as it is. With everything we do, plus our various responsibilities, it’s a wonder we survive intact. Don’t let another holiday season make you want to head for the hills. By taking time for you and eliminating holiday stressors, you enable yourself to give more to your loved ones, without wearing yourself so ragged. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed by all, so try to remember this year to give to yourself as well as everybody else. After all, the holiday season really is all about giving. Take care and Happy Holidays :-)

About the author:

Angelique writes articles for helping shoppers find gifts, providing shopping tips and how to benefit from personalized gifts, promotional products, and awards. She also writes articles about self improvement and helping others. Her work is sponsored by Wealthwood Gifts and Blog Wealthwood. Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com/author/21167

The Beach Christmas versus the White Christmas

Christmas is the time of year for cold weather, snow, mistletoe and beautiful Christmas Gifts exchanged around a roaring log fire. Where a traditional dinner is served, and you get to tuck into family favourites such as roast turkey, Christmas pudding and a rich cake encased in deliciously sweet marzipan and icing. Or is it? Christmas could equally be about spending time in the sun, where a traditional dinner consists of food suitable for a barbeque and fit for a king; maybe some fish, or some steaks all sizzling away alongside some freshly caught tuna. Perhaps this barbeque takes place on a beach, so while your food is cooking, you can spend a little time swimming in the sea, or relaxing in the sun and working on your tan. It certainly sounds a lot more attractive to a rainy day somewhere, where your time working on Christmas dinner is spent watching some of television's 'golden moments'.

Either way, however you decide to spend this coming Christmas - and both scenarios are equally appealing in their own unique way - it is important to make sure that the Gifts match the occasion. Essentially, if you're spending Christmas in the sun, friends and family members are not really going to maintain excitement levels at their peak as they unwrap a woollen jumper and a cosy scarf - although they might prove useful when returning to the UK, along with a self-help book on beating the post-holiday blues.So what would be suitable? Well, Christmas Gifts for sun seekers could revolve around a favourite sport or hobby? If the recipient likes swimming, then ideal Christmas Gifts could be either a White Water Rafting Experience Day, or even some time spent surfing with a Surfing Experience gift Pack.

If the white water rafting sounds like a swimmingly good idea, it is worth bearing in mind that all rafting trips are dependent upon sufficient water levels and that all events come with both tuition and talks on safety. All this aside, white water rafting is a thrilling adventure that will give the recipient of your gift the unforgettable thrill of travelling along either natural or man-made rapids; it really is the gift of a lifetime.

Surfing is another pastime that make an ideal Christmas Gift for someone with an inclination towards more sporty pursuits. Even for a complete beginner, with a little bit of balance and determination, surfing is an exciting way to spend a day - or even a few hours - and it's pretty safe to say that the first-ever surfed wave is definitely the most memorable.But what about Christmas in not so sunny locations?

Well, it doesn't mean that the Gifts have to be any less appropriate and there really is no need to fall back on the more obvious choices, just because the sun is taking a nap. Paintball, ice climbing and even microlighting are all fun experience day gifts that can be enjoyed however inclement the weather.

Paintball is amazing fun and gives the person you're thinking about - and a co-participant of their choice - the opportunity to act out any action hero fantasies they might have; quite literally, it's almost like schoolyard cops and robbers, but for adults. The Paintballing for Two Experience Day event is perfectly safe and it's a great way to run around a muddy and woody area using non-lethal force - after all, it's only paint - to overcome your enemy. Naturally, all participants will be given full training and guidance before the fun begins.

For winter sport fans, Ice-climbing for Two events offer the thrill of mountaineering, but none of the dangers. This Christmas Gifts idea comes with plenty of one-on-one tuition and the lucky participant gets a whole 40 minutes to pit their wits against the wall.

A Microlighting Flight Experience Day Gift Pack is a perfect christmas gifts option for the more adventurous, and while it's ideally suited to Britain's spring and summer months, so long as the weather is stable enough, it doesn't really matter when you fly. All participants will be given all the help and training they need, and the actual flight will take place with the help of an instructor. And because the planes come with dual-controls, it's even possible to have a go yourself; just make sure you dress up warmly as, no matter how good the weather on the ground, up there it's going to be a little bit nippy.
Not only does the craft fly up to a total of 1,500 feet, but the cockpit is also entirely open.
Exciting stuff!

About the author:
Getting Personal offer unique high quality gifts & personalised gifts at affordable prices, delivered quickly and guaranteed with a smile.To explore our range of christmas"> http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk/christmas-presents/christmas-gifts.htm">christmas gifts further, please visit our website at http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk. Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com/author/20780

5 Of the Best Remote Control Toys for Kids for Christmas

1. Bratz Tokyo A Go - Remote controlled Car 27MHzThis car is a wonderful little r/c from Bratz that is a huge hit with the girls. They love having their own remote controlled car to play with! You can use the remote to move the car forward and back and spin it around race with the other girls and more! The car will fit two Bratz Dolls, so the fun goes with you! This Tokyo A Go car is a great accessory for the series of Other Bratz Dolls etc. That is designed to play with it. Girls will be grooving! Also available in 49 MHz.

2.Tyco Radio Controlled Terrain TwisterYoung and old are raving about this fantastic radio controlled vehicle made by Tyco. It takes on all types of terrain even mud, water, grass and twigs! It is a tough and easy to maintain vehicle and can stand up to rough play.

3. Cadillac Escalade R/C 1:6 scale -27 MHzNew Bright industries has developed this 1:6 scalegreat looking Cadillac Escalade. It is a great car for its value and comes complete with spinning rims and an Awesome Exterior. This car can operate up to 100 feet and has 3 speed controls. Also available in 49 MHz.

4. Hover Copter Wireless Flying Saucerthe kids will love this incredible Hover Copter. It is able to both Hover and Fly while being controlled by its remote. Loads of fun from ground to sky!

5. Nikko 1:10 Ferrai F1 R/C kit.This R/C vehicle New from Nikko requires some assembly, as it comes partially assembled. It allows the feeling of accomplishment in the process of finishing the project then the Joy of driving at top speed. With its smooth turning and anti skid features it is sure to behttp://www.coachingonnet.com/

Remote Control Speedboat by Simba Their excitement will take off with the Off Shore Remote Control Speed Boat by Simba/Ravensburger! And because it comes with batteries already included, imagination is the only power it needs to get going right out of the box.This authentic looking speed boat measures 12 1/2” long, has a range of 50 feet, and has two channels of radio remote radio control that no wave crasher would do without. Bring home the Off Shore Remote Control Speed Boat by Simba/Ravensburger today and bring home the fun for ages! From Kazoo Toys for girls and boys.Ages 6 and up.By Simba/Ravensburger

Personalized Schnauzer Dog christmas Ornament

Personalized Schnauzer Dog Breed Christmas Ornament Include a special ornament for an important member of the family on your holiday tree with this dog breed ornament. Approximately 4".

Making Christmas Fun.

Christmas Memories.Remember when you were a kid and you just could not wait for Christmas? What are some of the things you remember most? I remember traveling to my Grandparents house and the way my Grandmothers house smelled of gingerbread, pies, turkey and all the other special things she would make. I remember going to buy the Christmas tree and how the lot smelled of fresh pine needles. My favorite memories are of my brothers and sister and I making paper chains, snowflakes, gingerbread man cutout garlands and various other ornaments and decorations which we were allowed to hang around the living room and add to the Christmas tree. My job in decorating the tree was a very special one. I got to put the tinsel on after everything else was in place. I loved being able to help decorate our Christmas tree. Being the youngest and smallest it made me feel big.

Goodie Baskets.

Christmas is such a special time of year, especially for children. It is a time when they can learn to give to others from their hearts. There are many activities that can help children feel part of Christmas. One really fun activity that can involve the whole family is to pick a neighbor or friend to give a goodie basket to. The kids can make special ornaments and help decorate gingerbread or sugar cookies. Then put them in a basket or nicely wrapped box and leave it on a friend or neighbors doorstep, ring the bell and run. There are poems you can add that tell them to reciprocate with another family that you can find online, print out and add to the basket or box or you can write your own. Be the first to get this started and watch your children and neighbors all get the Christmas Spirit. You can find lots of ideas for other activities online and in books like the Gooseberry Patch Christmas Books.

Decorations Children Can Make.Here are some easy and fun decorations that children can make.

Paper Snowflakes;

Fold the paper in half, then in half twice more. Cut out small shapes and notches around the edges. Unfold and round the corners. The smaller the paper you use the smaller the snowflakes will be. Also the more times you fold the paper the lacy the snowflake will be. These can be decorated with glitter.

Felt Ornaments;

Use cookie cutters to trace shapes onto felt squares. Cut them out and decorate with sequins, beads, buttons, fabric trims, glitter, craft paints. You can use cardboard or stiff plastic for a backing if you like. This can also be done with shapes cut from wood.

Letter To Santa Ornaments;

Have your children write a short letter to Santa. Glue it to colored paper, decorate the edges and add cardboard or stiff plastic backing. Punch two holes at the top and tie ribbon or twine loops for hanging.

Gingerbread Man Garland;

Use a Gingerbread Man Cookie cutter to trace onto brown paper bags. Cut them out and decorate with markers or craft paints; puff paints are good for these. Then punch holes in there hands and use ribbon or twine to connect them. Let your children decorate their room with them or even their own small Christmas tree.

Who Was Father Christmas?

Father Christmas dates back to the 1600's and was based on St Nicholas. St. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra, a city in present day turkey during the 4th century. He was a kind hearted man and wanted to give to the poor and needy without them knowing. One story says that St. Nicholas climbed the roof of a house and dropped a bag of money down the chimney which landed in a stocking that a young girl had hung to dry.
Father Christmas had a stout frame and wore a long green robe because green represented the coming of spring and the hope of new life.

Sometimes his robe was trimmed with fur. He also sometimes had a wreath of holly on his head. He was a friend to all people and animals loved him too. Father Christmas flew over houses on an enchanted white horse on Christmas Eve and left presents of chocolate and fruit in shoes the children would leave out for him.

Father Christmas in France.
In France Father Christmas is known as Pere Noel here he has a donkey named Mistletoe who helps him deliver all his gifts.

In France homes are decorated with greenery and beautiful Christmas trees filled with ornaments. Special attention is paid to the crèche or nativity scene. In French nativity sets you find figures of the Holy Family, sheep, wise men and also shop keepers, farmers, fisherman, townsfolk, dogs, cats etc. These represent people and things from all walks of life and are called "les santons" or little saints.
On Christmas Eve the baby is added to the crèche and most families gather to eat a large dinner. After dinner the family prepares for Pere Noel. Children fill their shoes with carrots and hay for Mistletoe and leave them by the fire with a glass of wine for Pere Noel. When all are asleep Pere Noel travels with Mistletoe and an overflowing bag of gifts to each home.
He fills their shoes with candies and presents.How Father Christmas Became Santa Claus.

During the 18th century people traveled to America from all over the world, bringing with them the cultures and traditions of their homelands. One of these was Father Christmas. In 1822 a poem was written by Clement Moore called "An Account of a visit from St. Nicholas."

This described St. Nicholas as having eyes that twinkle, cheeks like roses, a smile with dimples on each side of his mouth, a white beard and mustache and he was jolly, chubby and plump. The poem also gave him an enchanted sleigh drawn by eight reindeer named, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen. He came down the chimney with a large pack of toys and gifts which he used to fill the stockings and put under the tree.

Then in 1865 Thomas Nast drew a picture of an elf like Santa with a long white beard. He drew similar pictures of Santa for 30 years. In 1931 the Coca Cola Company hired an artist to draw Santa as warm, friendly, chubby and human, not elf like. This led to the jolly, plump Santa Claus of today. Since then Santa has had a round plump face and frame with a merry twinkle in his eyes. He wears a red plush suit with white fur trim and wide black belt, black boots and red and white stocking hat.
He always has a large pack stuffed to over flowing with toys and gifts for everyone, young or old.

Appreciating a Mexican Christmas

When it comes to the holidays, you will find that few compare to an authentic Mexican Christmas. Taking the holidays seriously starts with celebrating this special time of the year in style. More than a tree and stocking are necessary to appreciate the best holiday season on the planet celebrated in the pure joy by which it was intended.



Las Posadas is a candlelight procession which starts on December 16. Ending on Christmas Day, Las Posadas is a time of joyful journeys and new beginnings. Children depict the struggle of the holy family on their quest for lodging in the birthplace of Christ, Bethlehem. A sacred festival involving not only the family but the whole town, this is a celebration that will bring people together regardless of age or socioeconomic status.



Las Pastorelas celebrates the Christ Child's birth in a lighthearted manner with much celebration and humor. This is often referred to as the "Shepherd's Play" because it represented the shepherds journey to follow the star to the Christ Child. Filled with lots of good messages, you will find this is the time of year where good always triumphs over evil. Los Santos Innocentes is remembered on December 28. This is a commemoration of the death of all male infants as ordered by King Herod. Today, many people celebrate this day as a sort of April Fool's Day with plenty of pranks and jokes being played on everyone. Generally, this is fun in nature with a serious message attached. An important day to remember in the spirit of the season!



A Mexican Christmas is a time of jubilant celebration and joy. Never falling short of reasons to celebrate, this is the time of year where anything is possible and gifts abound. One popular type of gift remains a time honored tradition: food.



Salsas are popular simply because of the delicious nature of this delicacy. In addition, salsa can be vibrantly colored to add to the festive nature of the season. Add in multi-colored tortilla chips and you have a snack in the perfect spirit of the season! A natural and authentic salsa is best, but you can make your own with some of the delicious recipes found online today. Simply insure you use fresh fruit and vegetables with no vinegar or added salt for a healthy addition to any day.



Another dish popular is enchiladas. Wonderful meat filled tortillas make this a wonderful addition to any evening. Add in cheese for a true Tex-Mex original. Of course, these can also be prepared days in advance and frozen until needed. Simply heat up and you have a dinner fit for a king. Another great reason to trust on enchiladas is that everyone loves a good enchilada!



When it comes to a Mexican Christmas, you will find that you have an experience ahead of you that will become a family tradition. Celebrating one day is no longer an option, because everyday is special when it comes to this important holiday. Enjoy many festivals and many cuisines in your search for the perfect in holiday spirit. Feliz Navidad!

christmas floodlight holder canopy

Christmas Floodlight Holder Canopy Kit Christmas Floodlight Holder Canopy Kit

Fun Facts About Christmas

1. Christmas (believe it or not) is not festival celebrating gluttony, drunkeness or consumerism. The festival now often referred to by busy people as 'Xmas' is an annual holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus of Nazareth (7-2 BC/BCE-26-36 AD/CE), also known as Jesus Christ, is the central figure of the religion of Christianity and is revered by most Christian churches as the Son of God and the incarnation of God. Islam considers Jesus a prophet, while many Hindus see him as an Avatar.

2. A gift or present is the transfer of something, without the need for compensation that is involved in trade (also know as commerce). A gift is a act which is voluntary does not require anything in return. Even though it may involve a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power, a gift is meant to be free.

In many human cultures and societies, the act of mutually exchanging goods, money etc may contribute to enhancing social cohesion. Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a gift economy.The term gift can also refer to anything that makes the other happier or less sad, especially as a favour, including forgiveness and kindness. Gifts aren't always material objects!

3. There are several alternative names for Christmas. Crimbo is a slang term which first appeared in print in 1928. The variant 'Crimble' was first used by John Lennon in a Beatles' Fan Club Christmas single in 1963. Xmas is an established abbreviation, though it is involved in the secularization of Christmas debate. Yule is used in Northern Europe. In the US, the term(s) "holiday" and / or "season" may be used.

4. Saint Nicholas is the common name for Nicholas of Myra, a Christian saint who was Bishop of Myra in Lycia of Anatolia (now known as Antalya province in Turkey, though at the time it was a Greek-speaking Roman Province). Because of the many miracles attributed to him, he is known as Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, and is now commonly identified with Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas Day is a festival in early December for children in much of Europe related to surviving legends of the saint, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts.

Images of Santa Claus were popularised through Haddon Sundblom's depiction of him in The Coca-Cola Company's Christmas advertising in the 1930's. The popularity of the image has since spawned urban legends that Santa Claus was himself an invention of Coca-Cola or that Santa wears red and white because those are the colors of the Coca-Cola brand. In fact, Coca-Cola was not the first soft drinks company to utilize the modern image of Santa in its advertising - White Rock Beverages used Santa to sell mineral water in 1915 and then later in ads for ginger ale in 1923.

The massive advertising campaign by Coca-Cola simply popularised the depiction of Santa wearing red and white, in contrast to the variety of colours he wore prior to that campaign; red and white was originally given by the 19th century caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast. The modern depiction of Santa Claus as a fat, jolly man (or gnome) in a red coat and trousers with white cuffs and collar, black leather belt and boots, first became popular in the United States due to Nash's work.

Hand Painted Santa Christmas Ornament Hand Painted Santa Christmas Ornament

White Poodle Christmas Stocking

White Poodle Christmas Stocking Put out a stocking for your White Poodle so St. Nick will be sure to find the right place for all the dog treats. Whether you are starting a new tradition or replacing an old one, this needle point White Poodle Christmas stocking will last year after year. For an extra special touch, personalize this stocking with your dog's name embroidered across the top in white script. Max 10 characters for personalization. NO EXPRESS/AIR SHIPPING. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery of this item. SHIPS TO THE CONTINENTAL US ONLY. Order by Dec 2 for Christmas delivery.

Christmas Tree Selection Guide

Before you select the perfect Christmas tree, consider a little planning to make room for your special guest. Choose the best area in your room for the tree, which would include a spot that is close to an electrical outlet. When you plug in your lights, you won't want a cord running along your floor, which could cause someone to trip and fall. There are so many things to think about when choosing a tree to celebrate your holidays. Do I want real or artificial? Should I buy pre-lit or plain? A few knowledgeable tips will guide you in the right direction.

Christmas Tree Tip #1: Artificial or Real
The first step is to decide whether you want a real or artificial tree. An artificial tree is beneficial to anyone who has allergies, but also if you just want to know that your tree will last for years. Artificial trees are nice because they do not have to be thrown out every year and they are always the same size and a perfect fit. On the other hand, there's nothing like the smell of a real Christmas tree. With real trees, there is a greater risk of fire and also the need to keep them hydrated regularly. A real Christmas tree requires a lot of maintenance and, if you're not up to it, an artificial may be the way to go.

Christmas Tree Tip #2: Will It Fit?
When selecting the perfect Christmas tree, choose one that will fit best in your home. Measure the spot for your tree before you go out shopping and keep those numbers close at hand. After you select an area in your home, measure the distance from your floor to the roof, along with the width of the space. Take a tape measure when you go to pick out your tree and make sure it will fit in the spot you chose.

Christmas Tree Tip #3: Is It Healthy?
If you're looking for a live tree, check the limbs to make sure they are nice and green. Also, look for any brown needles, which may be a sign of a tree that has not been freshly cut. A tree that is too dry could be a fire hazard, so watch out for any signs of needle loss or other symptoms of a damaged tree. You will want to choose one that looks healthy and full with beautiful branches, which will look festive when decorated. If you're planning to load the tree onto your car, place a protective sheet down on the top before adding the tree. This will protect your car from scratches, or sap, on the way home. Make sure that you choose a strong rope to secure the tree to your car.

Christmas Tree Tip #4: Picking the Right Color
If you are buying a real tree, they only come in one color. But, if you are buying an artificial tree, you have the alternate option of white. While white Christmas trees are not as traditional as the green, there is something to be said for their beauty. Consider a white tree with blue lights, blue ornaments and white garland. A white Christmas tree is classic and stunning, especially with the right combination of decorations.

Christmas Tree Tip #5: Prelit or Plain?
Another advantage to artificial trees is that they are available in pre-lit designs. This saves decorating time and ensures that the lights are always perfectly spaced. Additionally, if you don't feel up to wrapping the lights around the tree yourself, a pre-lit tree allows you to enjoy the beauty of Christmas without the work of decorating.

About the author: For more great Christmas tree and Christmas lights resources check out http://trees.christmashub.com/ and http://lights.christmashub.com/