Thanksgiving has come and gone and most people have begun preparing for the next holiday: Christmas. One of the key pieces of a great Christmas celebration is a tree. The average Christmas tree can cost anywhere from $25 to $100 (and more if you are looking for something fancy and artificial). However, there are a few ways you can score a free Christmas tree.
Free Christmas Trees For Military & Military Families
Families of active-duty military members can get a free, live Christmas tree through the Christmas Spirit Foundation. To get a free tree, you and your family must live on a military base. Those interested in receiving a free Christmas tree through the foundation will also need to check this list to see if your installation is receiving Christmas trees. If the Christmas Spirit Foundation is delivering trees to your unit, you should check your base’s communication channels for additional information on next steps. You can also contact your family service center or call the foundation at 800-965-1653.
The Christmas Tree Project
Another great organization giving away free Christmas trees this year is The Christmas Tree Project. This outfit gives away trees to families in need throughout the holiday season. The project began in 2010 after a husband and wife gave away a Christmas tree on Craigslist. Since then they’ve given away more than 2,000 fully decorated Christmas trees across the United States. You can request a tree on the organization’s website.
Local Programs
Outside of the national and international organizations listed above, there are also a plethora of local programs willing to hook you up with a free Christmas tree. Keep an eye out in your local newspaper and on community bulletin boards for additional information on locally run programs.
Be a Fourth Grader (or Have One)
Fourth graders can get a free Christmas tree every year through the Every Kid in a Park initiative. This program runs through Christmas Eve and gives fourth graders a free voucher for a permit to harvest their own tree from one of the 17 national parks (Eastern Region). To get your tree, just present the voucher. Then you’ll be given information on what types of trees you cut and what area you can harvest from.
Christmas can be tough financially. Between the decorations, food, gifts, and other costs, it can be overwhelming. However, if you qualify to get a free Christmas tree, you can get into the holiday spirit without spending much at all.
Readers, do you know of any other ways to get a free Christmas tree? Let us know in the comments!