christmas tree

Are you putting up a live Christmas tree or artificial? It's not just a matter of aesthetics or traditions: Cost has to be a factor in these tough economic times. But which is the better deal is a matter of debate.

Your ears do not deceive you. Many McDonald's restaurants have already started pumping out holiday music. Hey, when MCD corporate sends its monthly CD, you play it. But isn't a tad early? Or are we ready, even before trick or treating, for the sounds of holly, jolly Christmas cheer?

How's this for bling? An Abu Dhabi hotel has unveiled a jewel-encrusted Christmas tree worth more than $11 million. The 40-foot-tall tree is decorated with silver and gold bows, ball-shaped ornaments and white lights. Its branches are draped with 181 diamonds, pearls, emeralds, sapphires and...

For many decades, Americans have had three choices in Christmas trees for their homes during the holiday season: a real, cut tree, an artificial tree or a living tree. Each has its drawbacks. A real tree turns into a fire hazard and a landfill filler. Artificial trees are made of plastic, made...

You can't beat the fresh smell and look of a newly cut Christmas tree. But at up to $200 for a real tree, the cost can be too high. The good news this Christmas is that tree prices are expected to stay the same as last year, at least according to vendors in Florida, where one tree farm sells trees...

You probably wouldn't send a holiday card depicting the family dog biting the boss. Or one that shows a brand new flat screen falling out of the back of your truck. While these scenes aren't ones you'd like to experience at the holidays, experts say it's wise to keep in mind that accidents (like...

Not every city can be as lucky as Washington, D.C., where on Thursday the "National Christmas Tree Lighting" begins at 5 p.m. Eastern. There's enough hoopla around the tree near the White House to make you think the recession is over. The tree has its own Web site and Sheryl Crow will perform at...

With just a few weeks until the turkey hits the table, more ads are leaking out for Black Friday, including rumored deals from Old Navy and Lowes. In addition to Black Friday-only deals, Old Navy is celebrating with "Gobble Palooza" with deals starting on Thanksgiving Day at noon and continuing on...

With holiday forests popping up all over town and cut-your-own Christmas tree growers opening their ranches for business, it's time to plan your tannenbaum selection strategy. Here's how to get your money's worth and buy a Christmas tree that stays fresh, green and festive throughout the season's...