CHRISTMAS trees: real or artificial

[Sir Harry]

In process of divorce....none this year, but next year we'll see...

[mrzed]

Artificial for the past number of years. Can't afford a real tree, but I like the smell of the evergreens. I like the idea of tucking in some real branches for the aroma.

Used to live in Alaska. Always went out in the forest and got a free tree.  They looked GREAT in the forest, but scrawny in the living room. Heck, they grow 2 feet per year! so 2 feet between branches!  A friend would get two trees. Drill holes in the trunk of one of them, and insert branches from #2 into #1. Branch transplant. Then they looked better.

Don't use a Hemlock. The needles drop in about 2 days!  Did that one year.

Our girls put up the tree last night. (well, tree and lights) Ornaments later.

[Slyfive]

In process of divorce....none this year, but next year we'll see...

Sorry to hear that sirharry, all the best for what the future may bring.

[DanvMan]

always grew up with an artificial tree because my mums allergys never agreed with the real thing, we did have a real tree theone year though

As of now because the flat im in is quite small its easier to have an artificial one, but once we get a bigger place going real all the way!

[tomgallagher]

Artificial.

[-Doug-]

Artificial for the past number of years. Can't afford a real tree, but I like the smell of the evergreens.

We have an artificial and got scent sticks to hang in the tree. I'm sure it isn't quite the same, but the smell is a nice touch.

[Snakehandler]

2  artificial tress 1 traditional & 1, 1950s aluminum tree with a revolving stand & color wheel. 😄

[baldjoeg]

We have always gotten a real tree. I really love the fragrance they give off. I prefer a balsam or a frazer fir. Real trees are a lot more work bt I think they are worth it.

If we ever buy an artificial tree, I will make sure that it is pre lit. The lights are the hardest part of the job.

Merry Christmas to all my fellow sly bald friends.

[Papa Don]

For me, it's artificial.  Saintc you mentioned discarded trees sent to the wetlands?  In Houston, we send our's to Galveston to help retain and build sanddunes.

[Ming the Merciless]

I've never had a "real" tree since I've been an independent adult (decades now).  Many years I put nothing up but a wreath outside and a few lights; sometimes I'll bring up a small table-top artificial tree (found in a Dumpster long ago) put it in the living room on a table and decorate it.  But since I spend Christmas day, elsewhere than at home with friends, a tree is not high on my list of things to do.  There is, however, the memory of childhood trauma over selecting "the tree," and putting it up, and decorating it.  Rarely merry.

And then, of course, the needle clean-up afterwards. 

You know what I miss?  The real lead "icicles" you once could get--but no more.  Just as you can't get a real mercury thermometer anymore.  The nanny state diminishes our harmless amusements and tools.  What's wrong, really, with the chance of heavy metal poisoning?

[Tyler]

Fake in the house, real one in the front yard.

[DCdome]

I'd prefer a real one but restrictions in the building where I live require an artificial one. 

[Sir Harry]

@Slyfive- Thanks man appreciate it...Getting together with family on the Gulf Coast Christmas weekend, so no need for a tree this year anyway...