What is Your Christmas Tree Saying About You?

I recently came across an article on AOL's welcome screen about "What Your Christmas Tree Says About You," and thought it would make an interesting post since a lot of us have been sharing pictures of our family trees.

After doing a little research, I found that most scholars point to Germany as being the origin of the Christmas tree. One of the earliest stories relating back to Germany is about Saint Boniface. In 722, he encountered some pagans who were about to sacrifice a child at the base of a huge oak tree. He cut down the tree to prevent the sacrifice and a fir tree grew up at the base of the oak. He then told everyone that this lovely evergreen, with its branches pointing to heaven, was a holy tree ... the tree of the Christ child, and a symbol of His promise of eternal life.

Whether its branches are covered in bright shiny baubles or its limbs are light pink, your Christmas tree says a lot about your spirit both in and out of season. If your household's winter wonderland has you wondering what your friends might think, check out these trees and related personality traits to see what your Christmas tree says about you and your family.

A REAL TREE is deeply rooted in ancient Christmas tradition.

If you and your family take the time each year to find your own fresh tree, that probably means that you have tremendous personality ties to old-fashioned traditions as well. Often, people with real trees like to go "by the book" and are authentic. It also suggests that you are a diligent and reliable individual and you find joy in the simple things in life.

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A FAUX TREE is frequently favored by the frugal, because after a year or two of use, the artificial tree would have paid for itself.

If you're one of the millions of Americans who decorate fake branches year after year, you might be someone who values convenience too-- once an artificial tree is completely set up there's no extra maintenance required to keep it pretty.

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Even more frugal and efficient than an artificial tree is one covered with permanently placed lights.

If you have a PRE-LIT TREE, then you probably are a perfectionist and know how to prioritize well, valuing your time and knowing when to cut corners in order to enjoy yourself and the holidays as much as possible; hands down, the worst task when it comes to tree trimming has to be hanging the lights, and eliminating this chore is sure to make spirits bright!

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SENTIMENTAL people (like me) love to cover their tree with all kinds of ornaments and goodies, and with every glance comes a new ornament discovery and often unexpected insight into the family life.

If your tree is covered in trinkets and keepsake ornaments, you are probably an open individual who is comfortable with expressing and sharing yourself. Chances are your considered child-like and playful when it comes to Christmas.

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If you choose to display a decorated palm tree or topiary instead of the traditionally triangular Christmas tree, you're certain to be the jovial, humorous type who is perhaps a bit impish and prone to practical jokes. Because you know that everyone who visits will have comments (both critical and complimentary) you might be attention-oriented year-round as well.

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If your tree of choice is an UPSIDE DOWN TREE ...

You're always full of surprises and your unexpected ways often lend to mixed messages being sent out about your personality. Chances are you're actually pretty traditional at heart but you love turning the expectations of others onto their heads (no pun intended).

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You are probably the innovative type if you're seeking out a HALF TREE, as many families aren't even aware of this type of tree.

You are determined to make your childhood Christmas memories come to life again, whether you actually have the space to do so or not. You are a creative problem-solver and also someone who satisfies their desires no matter what, your main tools being thoughtfulness and elbow grease.

And if you are an imaginative innovator, you might select an UPSIDE DOWN HALF TREE ...

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If space is a problem, you might choose a TABLETOP TREE ...

But just because your main tree is a tabletop tree doesn't mean your Christmas spirit is in miniature too. You may be taxed for space, but some table-top types might just feel less is more and may be most interested in the emotional joy of the season without having much of a need for a prominent physical representation.

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Idealists love SNOW-COVERED, or FLOCKED Christmas trees because they are artificial representations of a traditionally ideal "White Christmas."

Imaginative types enjoy this type of tree as well because although the blanket of plastic white flakes would never be mistaken for real snow, it allows one to stare and dream of the delightful real thing.

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Artists and the creative types just love to express themselves, especially with color and the unexpected twists in ordinary things. What better way to make a huge statement than with an OFF-COLOR CHRISTMAS TREE?

Other people who take pleasure in an unusually hued holiday tree include those visual perfectionists that are extremely obsessed with keeping their home color scheme unmarred, even if it's just for the holiday season.

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My husband and I grew up having real Christmas trees and we continued the tradition for our children as well. There may come a day when we won't physically be able to have a real tree, but until that time comes, we will carry on the tradition.

We put our tree (a Fraser Fir) up this past weekend and, as you can see, I haven't had time to wrap presents yet.

I'm working on it but always seem to get distracted or interrupted and have to quit. I plan to post pictures of the finished tree soon and share a few of our special ornaments ... hopefully BEFORE Christmas!

Sincerely,