Fake fir: Artificial Christmas trees emphasize warmth and personality

According to the Earl May Nursery & Garden associate, festivities naturally come in the form of Christmas gatherings between family and friends.

Foo-foo is simply the frilly, over-the-top decorations designed to make the holidays fun.

And what does Mosher mean by fluff?

"You gotta fluff an artificial tree a bit after it comes out of the box," she said in the middle of the store's 4101 War Eagle Drive showroom. "You want to make sure that all of the branches are out and not scrunched up."

As she unscrunches a tree, it's clear Mosher knows a thing or two about the art of Christmas tree decoration.

"I started in this business 40 years ago," she said. "Back then, real trees were big. Nowadays, it's the artificial tree that many people want."

OK, so what's changed over the years?

Mosher said convenience is a factor. After all, a cut tree needs some upkeep while an artificial tree requires less. 

Also, an artificial tree can be kept year after year.

"I know people who simply keep their Christmas tree in the basement throughout the year,"Mosher said. "Put a cover over it and you're good to go for next year."

But mostly, today's artificial trees are of a better quality.

"Our artificial trees look like, you guessed it, real Christmas trees," she said with a smile.

A warm and inviting design

Walking through a display of artificial trees, Mosher noted that many sport a longer, skinnier look.

"It's deliberate," she said. "A tree that has a big bottom takes up a lot of unnecessary room in cramped spaces."

Another advantage to a slender tree? More room for more gifts.

"That's also true," she noted.

According to Mosher, the trend in Christmas decoration design is a return to nature.

"I hesitate to call it a 'country' look," she said as she pointed out trees boasting birds, pine cones and sparkly snowflakes. "It's more of a traditional, warm look."

Light up your holidays

This warm look continues with a type of lighting a person chooses. Mosher said many of her customers gravitate towards clear lights as opposed to a multicolored route.

"While it's very pretty to see multicolored lights blink on and off, clear lights continue to be more popular," she said.

Plus, clear lights are easier to detect when one goes out.

"When you see one light go out, take care of right away," Mosher said. "Some people, they'll take care of it after Christmas but I recommend doing it before that."

Mosher also suggested investing in a surge protector for safety reasons. She also said people should refrain from lighting up their trees when no one's at home.

"I always say safety first," she said, "especially around the holidays."

Trees that reflect personality

Mosher believes Christmas should never be limited to a single tree. That's why she'll have a traditional tree for the family, a tree decorated by children as well as a tree meant solely for her friends.

"A Christmas tree should reflect the things that you like," she said. "Sometimes, you like many different things."

One surefire way to have a Christmas tree reflect the true you is in the topper.

"People used to simply put an angel on top of their tree," Mosher said. "I can't tell you the last time I sold someone an angel tree topper."

Nowadays, customers are topping their trees with beautiful garlands, festive decorations and additional branches designed to give depth, drama and allure.

Or as Mosher would say, some extra "foo-foo."

"You can never have enough foo-foo for the holidays," she said with a smile.