– We should probably have a plastic tree by now, because the mother is allergic. But Christmas is now about giving and sacrificing a little, so this will be her gift to us then, says Sebastian Eide. He has just got his eldest son, Nikolai Eide, to saw down the spruce the family will have in the living room. The family does this every year – they travel to the same Christmas tree farmer and cut down the tree just before Christmas Eve. – I think it is somewhat important. It is now an old tradition, to do the work yourself, says Eide. But the sale of several shops this year may indicate that fewer people do as they do and it is good to have a real Christmas tree. Lars Inge Breivik (th) has sold Sebastian Eide and his family Christmas trees for years. He has already picked out one he thinks they will like in advance. Sebastian is quite clear that they should not have any plastic trees: – No, that’s not possible. Photo: Josef Benoni Ness Tveit / news The Eide boys are satisfied with today’s catch. From left: Laurits, Julian, Sebastian and Nikolai. Photo: Josef Benoni Ness Tveit / news Christmas tree owner Lars Inge Breivik has had a good time this year, and it is perhaps not surprising what tree he will bring into the living room: – No, it is not a plastic tree, you can be sure of that on, he says and laughs. Photo: Josef Benoni Ness Tveit – It is mostly artificial. Far more At Plantasjen in Ålesund, they are almost sold out for living Christmas trees. Atle Christoffer Istad helps customers search in the last, short trees still standing. He has no doubt that they will disappear before Christmas Eve. – Last year we still threw around 200 trees, but this year we run out, he says. But despite good sales, it is not the real firs that are the big sellers this year. – It mostly works artificially, far more, says Istad. He believes that it is the economy that makes people decide to buy plastic wood. – You are buying a tree that lasts. It is easier to invest NOK 1,500–2,000 in one tree that lasts 7–8 years before it becomes outdated, compared to these. Our largest real trees cost NOK 1,300. Paying that for something that will stand for two weeks is often a bit expensive, at least now, he says. Do you have real or artificial ? at home? If it is not a real tree, can it really be called a Christmas tree? It must be real, of course! ? Economical, less stress and allergy-friendly – of course I have an artificial one ? Plastic or living, who cares? After all, it’s what’s under the tree that matters ? Show result – We had a cat that tore down the tree a few times, and then we had little kids that started climbing it. Then it was only better to go artificial for a few years, but once we are on that wave it is very practical, says Atle Christoffer Istad. Photo: Josef Benoni Ness Tveit / news Snow-covered branches in 20 plus degrees in the living room, nothing to vacuum, built-in lights, maybe even finished decorating the shed? There are many arguments for artificial wood, Istad believes. Photo: Josef Benoni Ness Tveit / news 25 percent more plastic trees this year This year, Norwegian Christmas tree farmers are selling around 600,000 real, Norwegian trees, according to Heidi Amundsen, day-to-day manager of the organization Norsk Juletre. In addition, over 200,000 pieces of wood are imported from abroad, reports SSB. On top of this comes the shops’ seals made of Norwegian wood. Coop has sold around 60,000 of these. But there are many artificial trees as well. In 2017, half of all Norwegians had plastic trees at home. This year, Chlas Ohlson has increased his saddle made of artificial wood by 25 percent since last year, news is informed. Coop has increased its sales by 4 per cent, while Ikea sells about the same number as last year. The smell of Christmas The real tree for the Eide family is immediately ready for Christmas decorations, glitter and packages. The sons say it is important that the tree smells right, something a plastic tree does not do. – Are they satisfied with it? – Yes, there’s no way to regret it now, says Sebastian as he stands with the sawn tree in his hands. And there is no doubt about what time it will be decorated – It must now be Christmas Eve. We have now done it every year, says Nikolai Eide. Nikolai and Laurits Eide pack the Christmas tree into the car, before it goes home and is covered in decorations. Photo: Josef Benoni Ness Tveit / news
ttn-69
Artificial or real Christmas tree? Norwegians buy millions every year – news Møre og Romsdal – Local news, TV and radio
