A holiday tradition is born

Target.com this year for the first time is offering fresh-cut Christmas trees, wreaths and garland with most of the items eligible for free shipping since they cost more than $50.

Nothing says Christmas like huddling around the ‘ole 3G enabled iPad, navigating Target.com and then letting little Timmy or Suzy pick the tree they want by tapping on the screen. Purchasing a fresh cut tree online may be devoid of holiday tradition, but holiday traditions sometimes aren’t all they are cracked up to be. (Think muddy tree lot and pine needles in the trunk.)

The convenience of buying a live tree online is something that will likely have appeal to certain shoppers, but Target could have done more to make the online experience more appealing given the medium’s ability to provide information. For example, no details are offered about harvesting techniques, where the trees are grown or the manner in which they are shipped to ensure freshness -- all useful information to someone contemplating an online tree purchase for the first time.

The trees offered at Target.com are Fraser Fir and range in height from four and a half feet up to nine feet at prices ranging from $79.99 to $159.99. Wreathes are also available in three sizes with diameters ranging from 22-24 inches up to 34-36 inches and prices between $34.99 to $59.99. Fresh cut garland in 25-foot lengths is also available for $39.99.