Christmas Tree: Real or Fake?

When pumpkin season comes to a close and holiday cheer starts filling the air, Christmas trees begin to light up the homes of many. Whether it’s wrapped with bright lights or decorated with a variety of ornaments, every tree brings a festive, warm glow into the house. Deciding on the special tree, however, is a task that requires the thought and input of every family member. A big question to ask is: real or fake? While some families love the piney fragrance of a real tree, others prefer the convenient and perfectly shaped artificial ones. Some families are even divided!

First, let’s discuss those who choose the real trees. This means going to a local farm, tree lot, or retail store as a family. The experience of making this decision with your loved ones can be a pro on its own. Debating between the taller or shorter trees, wider or thinner ones, and even inspecting the scent to find the aroma you are looking for feels like a quest – and it’s often a lot of fun. Walking along the rows of unique real Christmas trees can be both a calming and exciting experience. When the tree is finally chosen, it is bundled up to take home, just like a present. 

Over the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, the tree’s fresh aroma fills the house. You may even catch yourself leaning in to breathe in the nostalgic scent of the holidays when you walk past the tree. Emma, a sophomore at RHS, says her family uses “a real Christmas tree because [they] like the fresh pine smell and it is what [they] grew up with.” Nothing can compare to the smell of pine needles from an evergreen as the days build up, eagerly inching towards the 25th. They are extremely environmentally-friendly as well. And after the holidays, the tree can be easily disposed of. No storage needed. The wood can be used for other purposes as well, and there is the reassurance that next year will be a time of refreshment when a new tree is to be claimed.

Taking care of real trees during the holiday season, however, is a different story…The pine needles shed frequently, piling up on the ground in large heaps. Having to do clean-ups almost daily can quickly become a tiresome task. Watering the tree is also essential in order to keep it strong and healthy in time for Christmas. Keeping up with caring for the tree can seem like an irritating chore, especially when you know there is an easy alternative. 

Fake trees can last for many years. Kat, a sophomore at RHS, says her family “uses a fake Christmas tree because it is more convenient and is a way for her family to all put up the tree together in the warmth and comfort of their home.” This option can also spare you the time spent searching for a new tree every single year. These trees are generally one-and-done. After the decorations are completed, the tree can shine brightly on its own all the way through the holidays. Although fake trees are more expensive than real ones, they are reusable — this is a trade-off families will have to make a decision on based on their own preferences. Artificial trees are low-maintenance and families have a large variety of types to choose from. Not only is there a wide range of different shapes and sizes, they can also come in different colors or even have fake snow on them. Additionally, many fake trees even come with lights attached — the job of decorations is already half done! 

In the end, every Christmas tree, fake or real, has the same purpose. They bring families together and provide a merry, warm feeling for the holidays. As the songs of Mariah Carey and Michael Buble fill the streets during holiday shopping traffic, classic Christmas movies are rewatched, and the laughter of families come together, one thing is for certain: each tree is different, but the joy and comfort they bring to people remain the same.