Holiday Help: Choosing and Caring for a Christmas Tree The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday memories for many people. While artificial trees are a popular choice for some, selecting and decorating a live tree remains a treasured tradition for many families. Whether you purchase your tree in a retail lot or at a cut-your-own tree farm, be sure to know what height and width you need before making a purchase. A seven-foot tree will fit in most rooms with standard-hei