If the current range of high street Christmas trees is anything to go by, Christmas 2009 will be notable for its rather unusual selection of artificial trees. Indeed, although it is fairly traditional nowadays – not to mention considerably more practical – to purchase plastic Christmas trees in place of natural pines, firs and spruces, the availability of choice has always been fairly limited.

However, the recent unveiling of John Galliano’s Christmas tree, which was designed for Dior and Claridge’s, marks the beginning of a trend or fashion statement that aims to put the traditional Christmas tree in the shade. In fact, some would argue that John Galliano’s work of art, which he described in the Guardian newspaper last week as a creation of “icy frozen snow scenes mixed with a tropical twist”, is nothing short of sheer butchery.

Indeed, there are many ways in which the home can be properly decorated for Christmas, yet the most common and important of these involves the selection of a traditional natural or artificial Christmas tree that is appropriately adorned with baubles, tinsel, fairy lights and other such festive treats. Therefore, John Galliano’s Christmas tree, the artistic value of which could be easily branded as gaudy, austere and characterless, is anathema to anybody who appreciates the more traditional elements of Christmas.

Nevertheless, it would seem that many of the top high street department stores have followed suit by introducing their own unusual Christmas tree designs for 2009. John Lewis, for instance, is selling its Pre-Lit Mistletoe tree for around £50, which is perhaps not such a great deal considering its diminutive size (75 cm height) and gaunt appearance. John Lewis also boasts a rather odd 6ft Reversible Upside Down Christmas tree and a Snowy Paper Christmas tree, which offers a distinctly wintry look and feel.

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