How much do you really know about Christmas trees and their grand North American tradition? Take this Christmas tree quiz and find out. The quiz is not designed to be easy but don't let that put you off. Pay attention to the correct answers and you will be much more aware of the Christmas tree tradition plus you will learn a lot about the symbol's history and the industry that grows the tree.

Another interesting Christmas tree identification quiz can be found at Merry-Christmas.com where it is Christmas all year round. You will get into the holiday spirit as you explore all aspects of celebrating Christmas in the United States.

Fraser Fir Christmas Tree Farm - North Carolina - Photo by Steve Nix

The weekend after Thanksgiving is traditionally when most Christmas tree buying occurs but you should really consider shopping for and buy a Christmas tree a bit earlier. Early shopping will pay off with less competition for higher quality Christmas tree selections and ultimately result in a fresher holiday tree through the season.

You should consider mid-November a time to plan and follow through on your Christmas tree purchase. Many Christmas trees are already cut by mid-November but are not purchased until after Thanksgiving. You are just as well off to buy the tree early and prepare it for optimum freshness over the rest of the season. You should not consider yourself getting a fresher tree by purchasing later.

Potted Christmas Tree - Getty Images

Children, grand-children and relatives are abusing their pensioner family members at alarming rates according to state departments of pension and security. These tough economic times provide incentives to tap alternate and easy sources of revenue, including timberland and farm property. Relatives can start by borrowing Uncle Ernie's gas money and end up spending his entire savings and selling his timber.

Here is a discussion on what things concerned friends and associates can do to protect an elderly family member or friend. From that discussion, I have developed this short list of things to do to avoid the loss of forest and timberland assets:

• Find a dependable professional "trustee" (forester or consultant) to accompany owner to the property on a regular basis.
• Give "power of attorney" only to someone who can manage his own money well and is trustworthy. Consider appointing two.
• Develop a friendly relationship with the surrounding neighbors and keep in touch.
• Join a woodland owner's association, study their publications, attend short courses and stay involved.
• Ask your state forestry representative or state extension agent to visit the forest land with you on an annual basis. That's their job.

Voters have determined their top Christmas tree pick for this Christmas season. Forestry at About.com provides that vote for most preferred Christmas tree species commonly available for purchase in the United States. The current winner is Fraser fir (see photo of North Carolina Fraser fir Christmas tree farm at top) but you can change or support this by casting your vote. In second place comes Doug fir, followed by balsam fir and Colorado blue spruce.

• Top Ten Christmas Trees Sold in North America

Also, here are links to more Christmas tree information - Growing and Buying Christmas Trees

Fraser Fir Christmas Tree Farm in North Carolina - Photo by Steve Nix, Licensed to About.com