Christmas in Michigan: ‘Feeling’ Your Tree Before Taking it Home

Imagine for a second that you've never heard of Christmas trees. Now imagine that a friend approaches you and says:

This year I am going to cut down a tree, drag it into my house, place it on a stand, adorn it with fragile glass bulbs and lights, and then I think I'm going to buy a bunch of stuff for people and put it under it.

Again, this statement would sound absurd without prior knowledge of Christmas! But, we all know about one of Michigan's most beautiful seasons and the rich tradition of finding the perfect tree for your family.

Frasier Fir to White Pine, Which Michigan Christmas Tree is Right For Your Family?

The Christmas tree has been a part of our November and December lives since they were first sold commercially in 1850. That following year the first retail Christmas Tree lot was opened in New York by Mark Carr.

Get our free mobile app

Michigan has a long and storied relationship with Christmas trees and the farms that produce and sell them. From 1887 to 1933, industrious Michiganders took a fishing schooner to the Clark Street Bridge in Chicago, Illinois to sell in-demand spruce trees to Chicagoans. The ship was aptly called the "Christmas Ship".

Living in Michigan, we are lucky to have such a wide variety of trees to choose from. After all, you have to have the right tree, because it is going to be living rent-free in your house for the next several weeks.

Related: Thanksgiving in Michigan: History of Detroit's Parade's Iconic Big Heads

How heavy are your ornaments? Will your cat be climbing the tree? How often will it need water? Will it scratch me if I brush up against it? See, there are a lot of things to consider before jumping into a 6 week or longer relationship.