Do you use an artificial Christmas tree or a real one?
photo credit: Darren and Brad
Once Thanksgiving was over I began to get excited about decorating for Christmas. Then I remembered, our artificial tree that we’ve had for 4-5 years is in rough shape. Last year, after setting it up I distinctly remember thinking we needed a new one. It’s a pre-lit tree, which has been very handy, but the bottom of the tree didn’t light up last year, and the other strands shorted out every now and then. We only paid about $40 for the tree, and would have gladly purchased one similar to it again, but haven’t been able to find any. I’ve seen some small artificial trees for around $40 but the one we have now is nicer than those … with the exception of those stupid lights.
So of course, that leads me to consider a real tree. In previous homes we’ve rented, real trees weren’t allowed. This is the first opportunity we’ve had to consider a real one. I haven’t had a real tree since I was a kid (my parents have also gone the artificial path) and the thought of it is exciting to me. This weekend as we drove around I should have counted the number of vehicles we saw with a tree strapped to the roof. I bet we would have counted 40 or more, and it made me want one.
Now, I live in the rural northeast where it’s no big deal to get a Christmas tree and you can find them pretty inexpensive. As a matter of fact, if I could think of someone that owned a bunch of land I could cut one down myself. However, not being lumberjacks in nature (neither myself nor my husband) I don’t really see us going that route. I have not priced trees locally, but am hoping to find a small one for around $15 (really hoping). If I’ve owned my artificial tree for 4 years (I really can’t remember) then it has cost me $10 per year; a $5/year difference under the artificial. The nicer the tree you want, the bigger your gap will likely be. We have a small home so we require a small-ish tree.
I don’t know why a real tree is so appealing. I’m well aware of the drawbacks.
Here’s what I’ve got:
Artificial Tree
Pros
- Costs less over time
- Not as messy
- Perfect looking
- Have you tried to fit it in the box?
Cons
- No pine scent
- Annoying to set up and arrange
- I’ll be mad if my new cat breaks a branch
Real Tree
Pros
- Exciting to pick one
- Nice pine scent
- Real looking
- Easier set up
Cons
- More expensive
- Sap & needles
- Needs to be watered
- Annoying to dispose of
- Could be a fire hazard
To be honest, if I found the same tree I have now I’d buy it again. It’s nice looking and the perfect size for our family, but the real tree still lures me. Tomorrow afternoon I hope to price some trees locally and see what I find. Seeing how the price difference (hopefully) won’t be very large for me I’m willing to take a shot at the real one.
However, clear-headed thinking is especially important during the holidays when emotional, sentimental feelings cause us to lay aside all reason and whip out our credit cards. I’m comfortable with a $5 difference … but what about $10, $20? Where’s the line? Draw one. There’s no shame in being responsible enough to set some boundaries. Tomorrow when I look at trees I will spend no more than $15 on a Christmas tree. If there isn’t one then I’ll figure out a way for my old tree to work another year. I’m certainly not wasting money on one I don’t like just to force myself to use it for the next 4 years.
Why kind of tree do you use? Does cost influence your decision at all?
Why I do what I do ~ We were out of town this past weekend and twice when we arrived somewhere my daughter nervously said, “Mommy, I’m too shy.” It melted my heart that she was so nervous. It makes me want to protect her from everything that could possibly hurt her, and knowing that I can’t is tough to take.
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