First, there's the selection of a Christmas tree. Or you might prefer to buy a live tree, which can be planted outdoors after the holidays and enjoyed for many years to come. Select one that is potted in a bushel basket or other large container or balled with burlap with a large, firm root ball. Choose a uniformly shaped tree with no signs of broken branches, dried out foliage, or poor color. In addition to the tree, you'll probably want to buy a few holiday plants to decorate your home.
Poinsettias are a favorite choice, or try something a bit more unusual like a cyclamen or kalanchoe.
Again, select carefully, buying only healthy plants with no evidence of disease or insect injury. If you have the time, try your hand at making your own natural holiday decorations. You can make your home more festive by creating door sprays, wreaths, and centerpieces using evergreen boughs, pine cones, and other natural materials. Prolong the life of your decorations by spraying with an antidesiccant spray. Give your philodendrons, dracaenas, rubber plants, and other large-leafed houseplants a bath this month by gently washing the foliage on both sides with a sponge dipped in soapy water.