Saturday, November 29, 2008

Dilemma: Real Tree or Artificial Tree?



It's time to put up the Christmas tree. But, I have a problem. About 2 years ago we bought a pre-lit artificial tree. It is really pretty and quite easy to put up. However, my 3 sons want a real tree. You know the kind. The kind that dries out before Christmas gets here, and pine needles fall everywhere when you barely touch it. If I give in and get a real tree, I will have to go buy more lights, as the half of old ones are burned out. I have always loved a real tree. It's just the hassle of it that bothers me. First of all, we have to go try to find the "perfect" tree. Then, we have to haul it home. Then, we have to get it in the stand straight, all the while getting stuck and poked by the needles, not to mention the sap! Then, we have to let it "fall out" before decorating it. Is it worth it? I don't know. I guess that's the real question. Of course, I could put up a real tree AND the artificial tree. But my house is not very big. We have to make room to put up ONE tree. I also thought about going down into the woods close to my parents' home and seeing if we could find a tree. It wouldn't be one of the nice sturdy trees like the kind you buy, just one of those regular cedar trees. But, we could make some memories by doing this. I think it would be fun. We could get one small enough to go in one of the corners of our house and then put of the artificial tree, as well.

So, I need your input. Do I just put up the pre-lit artificial tree that I already have? Do I honor my sons' wishes and get a real tree? After all, they are getting older and won't be living at home forever. Or, do I try to reach a compromise and do both? If I do this, that just means more work for me. The artificial tree will be there ready and waiting WHENEVER I decide to use it. What are your thoughts? What do you do at your home? Leave me your comments and suggestions. I'll post again and let you know what I decided to do.

7 comments:

Stephanie Wetzel said...

Well, I don't know if I'll be much help. I finally won the artificial tree battle two years ago for all the reasons you said.

My kids are young and I'm kinda bossy, so my answer to mine is "you can have a real tree in your own house." ;) In your situation, I might think differently though.

My hubby loves real trees too, but mostly because of the smell. We've talked about getting him a small real tree for his office. This year I might put up some real greenery elsewhere just for the scent.

I don't know if that' helpful or not, but there you go. :)

Anonymous said...

As you know, we left the real tree business several years ago. I love my artificial trees. I like your idea of getting a small real tree from the woods. You could put it on your back deck or out in the yard and decorate it for the birds, with peanut butter and bird seed ornaments. Or you could put a really small on on your dining room table and put a few special ornaments on it (or homemade ornaments you do this year). It would be pretty center piece, it would keep the needles out of the carpet, and give you that smell your looking for. Let us know what you decide.

Sandra said...

Such great ideas! Another thing is that I prefer a real tree, too...just not all the hassle!

Anonymous said...

Hey, make a deal with the boys...real tree if YOU take care of it all. If they don't agree....bring out the fake one. I have several fakes I put out each year. I did use a real one once and then planted it in my yard.

Sandra said...

I haven't put it up yet. I plan to this weekend. As of now, it's gonna be the artificial one. I'll post again afterward, just to let you all know for sure.

jilcee said...

I think it depends on who's going to do the work. If your sons agree to full participation in set up & clean up as well as shopping for addional lights, I say go real. If the bulk of the work would fall on you, I would go artificial.

Sandra said...

Tomorrow is the day. I'm still not sure what I'll end up with, real or fake. However, I am leaning HEAVILY toward the artificial one. Several of you have given me some great ideas, like having a live wreath. As for the boys doing all the work...I don't think that will happen! I'll post on the final decision tomorrow night.