Its always exciting when you get your very first artificial Christmas tree. Taking it out of the box, adding the lights, the tinsel and the bulbs is a family tradition in our home.

The problem is, putting it back into that box, well, it just never goes back in the same way it came out. My mom used the same box for almost 20 years until it finally gave out. A lot of tape was used to keep the corners together.

While the box is useful and the most inexpensive method, there are better alternatives which will keep your tree looking as lifelike as it did when you first took it out of the box.

Another method of Christmas tree storage is a trusty garbage bag. A large green garbage bag will prove to be an inexpensive alternative to the cardboard box your tree first came in.

However, if you want to ensure that your Christmas tree enjoys a long life year after year, a proper Christmas tree storage bag is a must. Looking like a green duffel bag, it will offer you a perfect way of keeping your tree safe, complete with smaller compartments for extra storage. The prices for a storage bag for your Christmas tree will range between $10-$25, but a definite investment.