(Family Features) The holidays are typically filled with warm, happy memories created by a plethora of beautiful sights and wonderful smells. After all, many equate the season with the scents of freshly baked cookies, crackling fires, mugs of hot cocoa and newly cut pine trees filling the house.

Actually, the fragrance of a fresh pine tree is no longer a holiday memory for many Americans. Of the nearly 94 million United States homes that displayed a Christmas tree last year, only 15% had real trees, according to the 10th annual Christmas tree survey conducted by Nielsen on behalf of the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA). The rest were artificial, a trend that has increased almost annually.

However, if you choose to display a live tree this year, consider these tips to help select and care for the perfect fresh tree:

On the other hand, these tips can help you shop for an artificial tree:

Whether considering a real or artificial tree, make sure to select an appropriate size. Measure the height of your ceiling then subtract the number of inches for your tree stand and any ornamental topper to determine how tall of a tree you can display.

Also remember to use only UL-approved lights to decorate your tree and keep it away from fireplaces, heat vents or space heaters. Breakable ornaments or those that look like candy or other treats should be hung high enough that small children or pets can’t reach them.

Find more tips for selecting and decorating Christmas trees at eLivingtoday.com.

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