Decorating with live Christmas greenery is a tradition of old that dates back to at least the 16th century. Stories of why and how it got started are wide and varied, as is the symbolism of the evergreen.   For many, evergreens symbolized hope and life; and the interpretation was slightly different for individual groups. It was a symbol of eternal life for Christians, and for others, it signified protection and anticipation of spring. Evergreens are still a cherished decorating tradition today. They add an air of celebration, nostalgia, beauty, and expectancy to our Yuletide celebrations. In this blog, I will outline how to choose healthy fresh Christmas greenery, how to decorate with fresh Christmas greenery, and how to keep your fresh cut greenery smelling lovely and looking great to last through the holiday season.   How to Choose Healthy Christmas Greens The fresher and more hydrated natural Christmas greens are, the longer they will last. Dehydrated, dry greens will spoil and turn brown quickly. Remember to cut or purchase fresh greenery as near as possible to the date you expect to use them so they aren’t sitting around drying out in the process of waiting.   7 Things to Look for When Purchasing Fresh Winter Greens 1. First, consider purchasing your greens from a local grower. Local usually means fresher because products are closer and spend less time in travel.  2. A healthy, deep green colour indicates that it has maintained its water content. Signs of dehydrated greens include a faded, greyish colour, or brown tips. 3.