It is now time

to choose a Christmas tree. This year, with many fmailies choosing to

stay home for the holidays, the Georgia Christmas Tree Association expects

close to half a million visitors at area farms.

The use of

evergreens as a symbol and celebration of life during the Winter Solstice

started in ancient Rome. Over the centuries this tradition was incorporated

in the Christmas celebrations in the Germanic areas of Europe. The first

recorded display of a decorated Christmas tree was in Riga, Latvia in

1510.

Celebrating

the holidays with a christmas tree was widely practiced throughout Europe

during the Revolutionary War. In 1804, U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort

Dearborn in Chicago used evergreen trees in their barracks to celebrate

Christmas. The tradition has grown ever since, with many towns kicking

off the holiday season with a tree lighting in the center of the downtown

area.

There are a

number of local farms that will be selling Christmas trees this year.

Christmas Forest, located at 822 S. Glynn St. in Fayetteville, will have

trees that can be chosen and cut as well as wreaths and tree stands. Christmas

Forest will sell Leyland Cypress, Va. Pine and Cedar trees. Phone 770-461-8850.

Another tree farm in Fayetteville is the Wee Three Tree Farm located at

382 Ebenezer Church Rd. Trees can be chosen and cut, as well as merely

selcted. They will offer Va. pine and Leyland Cypress as well as White

Pine. phone 770-487-6397.

There are also

two farms in Palmetto; Irthus Tree Farm, located at 234 Meadow Chase Way

in Coweta County and Spirit of Christmas Tree Farm at 8070 Campbellton

Redwine Rd. The Irthus Tree Farm has a variety of trees to choose from

but they are potted and balled. Spirit of Chirstmas allows customers to

choose and cut their own trees and will also sell wreaths. To reach the

Spirit of Christmas farm, phone 770-463-3818.

If you are

buying a fresh tree this year, remember these tips

Determine

where the tree will go in your house first so that you will be able to

tell what size and shape you need.

Do a freshness

test. Hold a branch about six inches from the tip. Pull your hand toward

the tip. Very few needles should come off if the tree is fresh.

Make a fresh

cut across the base of the trunk, 1/4 inch up from the original cut. When

a tree is first cut, a seal of sap occurs naturlaly over its stump which

keeps moisture in the tree. It's important to break the seal to allow

the tree to take up water needed to keep it fresh during the holidays.

Keep the tree

outside in a bucket of water until you are ready to decorate.

Keep plenty

of water in the stand.

Position the

tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators and tv sets.

Test your

light cords and connections before hanging them on the tree and always

shut off lights before leaving the house or going to bed.

Phone 1-866-680-5262

or visit www.gachristmastree.com to find local farms, learn about

trees and find out about children's activities, etc.

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