1.Value for money. The initial outlay for a good quality artificial Christmas wreath may be more expensive than buying fresh, but a lot will be saved in the long-term, as the artificial variety will be able to be used year after year.

2. Longevity. Good quality holiday wreaths will last for many years, saving both the environment and the money in your pocket.

3. Maintenance. Fresh wreaths eventually shed their needles and die, whilst the artificial Christmas wreath has none of these problems. Whilst the real wreath needs misting to keep fresh, all the artificial version requires is a quick dust each year before it is put on display! As artificial wreaths can be quite fragile, use a feather duster or a soft damp cloth for stubborn areas.

4. Safety. Fresh wreaths may become a fire hazard when they dry out, especially if placed near lighting or an open flame. The artificial Christmas wreath is made from fire-retardant materials, meaning less worry for you.

5. Variety. Artificial Christmas wreaths are available in many styles, from the traditional to the contemporary, and in all manner of sizes. Manufacturers keep up with trends, meaning that each year brings new colours, materials, textures and designs, combining fashion and functionality. Whatever your budget, taste or décor, there is something for everyone.

Artificial Christmas wreaths can look amazingly authentic, and the advantage of these is that they can be used year after year. Artificial wreaths are available in many colours and often feature Christmas characters, decorative berries, pine cones and other festive items. Some come with lights that emit a cosy glow in the evening, creating a warm and welcoming effect at your door. Xmas wreaths may also be hung on walls or in windows to create a different look.

Common evergreens used in the Xmas wreath include the Bay laurel (often known as laurel wreaths), pine, holly and yew. The yew symbolises immortality and cedar is sometimes used, symbolising strength and healing. The Greek god Apollo was often linked with wreaths and he was the god of life and health – indeed, the circular shape of the wreath may be seen to represent immortailty and eternity.

Wreath with Gold Fruit Decoration

The traditonal Christmas wreath is typically made from evergreen tree twigs, pine cones and red ribbon. Some people hang wreaths for their purely decorative function, but Christian families and churches hang advent wreaths from the door in preparation for Christmas. You can also buy an artificial christmas wreath, which can be used for many years, although we prefer real christmas wreaths.

The hanging of the advent wreath became a German Christmas tradition at the beginning of the 20th cenutry and soon spread to other parts of the world. The wreath features four candles and during the first week of advent, the first candle is lit. A further candle is lit each week until all four candles are lit by the week before Christmas. This accumulation of light marks the anticipation of the birth of Christ (seen as the ‘light of the world’ by the Christian faith) and is said to symbolise his never-ending love, and the circular wreath, having no beginning and no end, represents God’s eternity.

Wreaths remain popular throughout the Christmas season, and today there is a wide selection to choose from, from the traditional to the ultra- contemporary. No-one can deny the beauty of a fresh Christmas wreath, with its lovely array of colour and scent. These look lovely hanging on the door, and really evoke the spirit of Christmas.

Example of a Balsam Christmas Wreath

If you want a fresh Christmas wreath but want to hang on to your money, why not try making your own? All you need is a circular metal frame and oasis, (available from your local florist) and a selection of suitable plants. These can often be found in your garden, but if not, florists usually stock a good selection of festive plants over the Christmas period. Use 2 or 3 types of holly or ivy, berries, evergreen leaves, even roses or chrysanthemums. Bear in mind that flowers may not last as long as other materials on the wreath, but if you have taken them from your garden, you can simply replace when required.

The beauty of making your own Christmas wreath is that you can design it with your own decorative tastes in mind and you can be sure that there will not be another one like it!