Although Santa Claus and gifts probably rank highest on the list of traditions associated with Christmas — especially for children — Christmas trees are probably next in line.

Setting up the tree is a tradition in most American homes, but the custom didn’t originate here. It was a natural for tree-rich America to adopt this custom from the Germans and Teutonic peoples who originated the custom as part of ancient pagan rites.

Nowadays, many Americans have opted for an artificial tree, probably in an effort to keep the custom without the inconvenience of braving a cold day to make a choice and the expense of purchasing a new one each year. Nevertheless, there is something about the sight and smell of a real tree that brings good feelings and revives good memories.

If you opt for a fresh tree, follow a few rules to get the best possible one and keep it fresh for as long as possible. Make sure it is fresh. A fresh tree is soft and supple, not dried out. The trunk will be sticky with sap. Branches will bend easily without snapping unless the tree is really frozen. Watch for needles that are green and flexible and do not pull of easily. A few dead needles from the center of the tree usually drop off when you bounce a fresh tree trunk on the ground a few times, but a tree that snows needles is too dry.

Keep your tree fresh indoors. You will find many offers for tree preservatives and “tricks” to keep the tree fresh as long as possible. The only real trick is water. A 6-foot tree can drink up to 2 quarts of water a day and larger trees drink even more. Put the tree into a stand that holds plenty of water and do not let it run low. Check the water daily and add more as the level drops. It is not necessary to add sugar, soda pop, aspirin or bleach to the water to increase the tree’s life.

When you get the tree home, square off the bottom of the trunk by sawing at least an inch off when you first bring it home. Keep it upright in a bucket of warm water in a cool, shady place until it is time to take it in the house. The tree will need water and warm water is taken up faster than cold.

Cut off another slice before setting it up indoors. Place it in a container that holds plenty of water.

Watch carefully at first and make sure you keep adding water whenever it runs out.

Place your tree away from radiators, heat vents, fireplaces, televisions, or other sources of heat.

Check light cords to be sure they are in good condition and don’t leave lights on overnight or when you leave home.

When it’s time to take the tree outside, it can do double duty. Lay branches out over flower beds and let the needles drop there to create mulch.

Do not try to use your tree for firewood in a fireplace or stove. They are practically explosive when they burn and can cause serious problems.

You’ll find an assortment of trees that grow in the area and may be available for Christmas trees. Spruces do not make excellent trees as they drop their needles.

• Austrian pine has dark green needles, 4 to 6 inches long. It retains its needles well.

• Scotch pine is the most popular Christmas tree. It has stiff branches, dark green needles of 1 to 3 inches long, holds needles for four weeks and keeps its aroma throughout the season. It does not drop its needles when dry.

• The Balsam fir has short, flat, long-lasting needles that form a soft, feathery appearance. It is a nice, dark green color with silvery cast and fragrant. It was named for the balsam or resin found in blisters on its bark. The resin is used to make microscope slides, was sold like chewing gum and used to treat wounds in Civil War.

• Douglas fir is fragrant, and holds its blue to dark green, 1- to 1-1/2-inch needles well. The needles have a sweet scent when crushed. It was named after David Douglas, who studied the tree in the 1800s.

• White fir or concolor fir has blue-green needles that are 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long. It generally has an attractive shape, good aroma and good needle retention. In nature, it can live up to 350 years.

• The Noble fir has 1-inch-long silver-green needles on short, stiff branches. It keeps well and is used to make wreaths, door swags and garland.

• Grand firs have shiny, dark green needles about an inch to 1 1/2 inches long. When the needles are crushed, they emit a citrus smell.

The most important point to remember in caring for your tree is to always keep plenty of water in it. Do not let the stand run out of water. When you first place the tree in your house, cut a chunk off the bottom of the trunk to open up the water-carrying parts to take up water. Place it in at least a quart to a gallon of water.

Watch the stand closely for the first few days, because the tree is likely to use an abundance of water in the beginning as it makes up for transpiration between the time it was cut and the time you brought it home. Do not use lit candles on a tree and don’t leave lights on unattended.