Get Ready to Pay More For The Christmas Tree
Many Costa Ricans like the real thing when it comes to a Christmas tree, preferring the smell of a fresh pine to that of an artificial in their living room.

However, this year, that fresh tree costs more.

A fresh Christmas tree that last year cost on average ¢6.000 colones, this year costs ¢9.000 to ¢12.000, depending on the location where it is purchased.

The price of the trees are based on the height. A three foot tree can cost anywhere from ¢1.500 to ¢5.000 colones, while a six foot three can range between ¢7.000 and ¢12.000 colones. Taller trees of more than 10 feet can range from ¢25.000 to ¢90.000 colones.

Competing with the natural trees are the artificials. At Price Smart, for example, an artificial tree costs ¢80.000 colones, but it comes already with Christmas lights. At the Universal department store a small articifical tabletop tree can cost ¢8.990 colones while a 14 foot artiticial tree costs ¢114.990 colones. Similar trees and prices can also be found at Cemaco stores, which also specialize in holiday gifts and decorations.

The traditional Christmas tree in Costa Rica is a big evergreen branch, a cypress tree, or dried coffee branches.

The "tree" is decorated with white paint and brightly colored strips of paper. Lights and small colored balls, a variety of small figures and lace are also used to adorn the greenery. A gold star is placed on top as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem.

Also, a very popular  tradition - the portal -is a nativity scene constructed of mosses and grass, colored sawdust, cypress twigs, black paper, silver glitter and figurines representing the birth of Jesus in the manger.

Along with the traditional figures of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, shepherds, the three wise men and the ox and mule, Costa Ricans commonly add extra embellishments like dolls, little farm animals, tiny toys, fruits and berries, and lights.

The most important Christmas tree in Costa Rica is the tree of the Children's National Hospital.

The tree represents hope for the coming year and thankfulness for all we receive. This tree has been at the Hospital for decades and it gives a light of hope to all those kids inside.