YOUR TURN: Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees
It's a decision families make every year - are you willing to withstand the cold, sap and needles necessary for an 'authentic' Christmas?
Sure, everyone appreciates some good holiday decor. But have you ever been tempted to take it easy on yourself and purchase an artificial Christmas tree?
Purists won't go near them, but for others, the thought of chopping down a tree - leaving needles, sap and leaking water in your living room - is not their idea of a happy holiday.
Despite the hassle, real trees outsell their artificial cousins by more than a 3-to-1 margin each season, according to the National Christmas Tree Association. Bear in mind, of course, artificial trees can be reused every year.
Readers, what do you think? Are you undertaking the Griswold family tradition this year, or are will an artificial tree do the trick for your family?
Kemper
1:19 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
A real tree not only smells great but can teach kids to be responsable.
Teresa Bello
2:47 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
We have always gotten a real tree and will continue to do so. I don't feel an artificial tree would be satisfying to me. I love the scent of the tree and since there are no longer many gifts under the tree, a nice nativity set with - okay, fake hay under it. For the last few years, our extended family does donations instead of gifts.
CALB70
11:34 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Growing up in the 70s my parents had an ugly fake tree. Couldn't wait when I got my own home to have a real tree and did so for several decades until the site of them dead on the curb after the holidays started to bother me and read up on the ultimate environmental waste they really are. Yes, they smell good but they do make a mess and can be a fire hazard. So I went faux a few years ago. The tree looks natural, has lights already on it, snaps together in 5 minutes and I put it up after Thanksgiving through New Years with no worries and no waste. I light a candle for evergreen scent and I won't ever go back.
david mokal
3:37 am on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
As a kid I allways had a real tree but after I seen a demonstration on how fast they can go poof in flames its not worth it.
Cheryl Horgan
8:06 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Some of the artificial trees are so beautiful,but do what I do,I do real in my living room,and an artificial in my entry way.
david mokal
9:15 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
I walked through Jay's Ice Cream amd the Parking Lot was full of fresh Christmas trees and the smell of the trees was so relaxing.
IT dont get any better.