Christmas Trees: Cut Your Own, and Sustainable Trees

A quirk of the economy is that certain items start selling more in tough financial times, and Christmas trees are one example. It's usually cheaper to stay at home for Christmas than to travel, and to focus on family and traditions rather than expensive gifts.

One of the most beloved, and inexpensive, family traditions is to go out and choose, and cut a Christmas tree. Many Christmas tree farms have extra attractions on site to make it a family day out. Local farms have petting zoos, tractor rides, visiting Santas and reindeer, gift shops, and just about all have free hot apple cider and treats to warm visitors up.

Trees can be had for as little as $10 at some farms, and at several farms every tree is the same price so it's a great way to get a really big tree for the same price as a regular one.

And when you have the tree home, here's some ideas for homemade ornaments from About.com's guide to family crafts, Sherri Osborn. Many of the ideas can be made very inexpensively, or free, from items you might have already.

• Cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in and near the Twin Cities
• Buying Christmas trees in Minneapolis and St. Paul, including finding sustainably grown trees