The tradition of putting up a Christmas tree in your home is a cheery expression of the wonderful holiday and Winter solstice celebration that dates back to 16th century Germany. While being a longtime Christmas tradition, putting up a Christmas tree has changed in recent years to mean different things to different people. Over the last decade, debates have sparked regarding whether or not to purchase a real tree or put up a reusable, artificial tree. The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of Christmas in most homes that adorns ornaments -whether classy, tacky, or sentimentally hand-crafted, so it makes sense that people are passionate about the tree that they choose to complete their living space this season.
There are benefits and setbacks with both options and what people opt for might evolve from year to year for what’s convenient or what aligns with their expectations surrounding Christmas. There is no right or wrong when it comes to deciding which tree option is best, it just depends on personal preference. You can’t beat that real tree smell, but it does come with the real tree cleanup. Here are some pros and cons to both chopping down your tree and buying a manufactured tree.
Real Christmas Tree Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- You cannot beat the real deal look along with the scent of fresh pine creating a delightful Christmas atmosphere in your home.
- The quality family time spent together picking out a tree and visiting the Christmas tree farm together, or the team building of chopping down the tree.
- You don’t have to spend an hour putting together your tree and “fluffing” plastic branches.
- Supporting local Christmas tree farms.
- Having a piece of nature in your home that commemorates the original Christmas tree tradition- which is why some people feel called to get a real tree every year.
Cons:
- On the other hand, inviting this large piece of nature into your home may result in bugs. You don’t know what nests your real tree might have in it. There have been recent fiascos of families finding pests in their Christmas trees, thus ending up with a bug infestation in their homes. Definitely make sure your tree is well-shaken if you purchase or chop down a real tree.
- If you have pets, they will be more inclined to treat the real tree as if they were outdoors and could leave you some unwanted presents under the Christmas tree.
- Pine needles. Get the vacuum ready because there will be needles falling every day- especially as the tree begins to wilt.
- Maintenance and Planning: In addition to vacuuming, you have to water your real tree every day to ensure it makes it through Christmas. If you get your tree too early, the tree’s life span might not make it to Christmas so timing is everything. Make sure to plan based on when you might be hosting to ensure your real tree is fresh.
Buying a real Christmas tree is also said to be bad for the environment. However, there is a new movement beginning where some Christmas tree farms grant you the option of having a potted Christmas tree to return each year to continue its lifespan until it’s too large or becomes unfit for a home. Lowe’s Home Improvement store also offers this at many of its locations, but, if you’re able to shop local farms or stores, that’s a great way to support small businesses. If this sounds like something that jives with your Christmas aesthetic or efforts to go green, you can check with your local Christmas tree farms to see which ones may offer potted or pot-grown trees.
Artificial Christmas Tree Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- It’s a money-saver! You don’t have to purchase a tree annually so you would be cutting out this cost each Christmas season.
- You don’t have to spend the time shopping or picking one out every year. You may eventually need a new tree from natural wear and tear over time or if it’s a pre-lit tree and the lights go out, you may want to get another one.
- You don’t run the risk of critters in your home.
- Less cleanup!
Cons:
- You have to spend a little time putting it together and fluffing it.
- It won’t have that real-tree smell. Luckily, there are pine-scented candles that can give your house this same Christmastime aroma.
If you opt for an artificial tree, another great tip is to get one that is not pre-lit, rather than a pre-lit tree. This way you can add your own lights and have the advantage of changing out lights each year if you want to switch up colors, or if any lights go out. There aren’t as many cons to having an artificial tree, but do whatever makes your heart happy when it comes to your Christmas tree. If you do purchase an artificial tree or if it’s something you’re considering for next year, make sure to read reviews and buy one that will last many Christmases. Here is a great, affordable Amazon option if you’re considering switching to an artificial tree or upgrading.
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