Looking for an exciting way to get into the holiday spirit? Christmas trees can offer fun and festivities for the whole family: decorating it, lighting it, and exchanging gifts around it. But with all the joy they bring, they can also come with a bit of a hassle. So is it really worth it? Let’s take a closer look.
The Charm of a Real Christmas Tree
When it comes to choosing a tree, whether artificial or real, each option has its set of pros and cons. Real trees are undeniably special to the holiday season. The smell of fresh pine and the nostalgic feeling of earthiness within your home can offer feelings of comfort and warmth. Choosing a real Christmas tree with your family can also be a fun tradition to get the holiday season started. It also comes with another benefit: it’s friendly to the environment and is easily recyclable into mulch or compost after the season.
Challenges of a Real Tree
However, real trees come with a fair amount of upkeep. They constantly shed needles, creating a mess to clean up, and carry allergens that may be a problem for some households. The maintenance and upkeep of the live tree can also be time-consuming. Once you get the tree, it’s important to regularly trim, water daily, and keep at a stable temperature, away from the heat. Plus, there’s a risk of choosing a tree that won’t last the whole season. If the needles snap in half when bent, this is a sign it’s half-dead and will dry out prematurely, which can be disappointing after all the previous hassle. Considering the costliness and inconvenience of the tree, I’d say this detracts from the charm.
Why an Artificial Tree Might Be Right for You
Next up: artificial trees. These synthetic trees can save you time, money, and hassle. They’re easy to assemble and bring home, and come in a convenient box for easy storage once the holidays are over. There also is no needle mess to clean up and they require little to no maintenance. Decorating and lighting an artificial tree works all the same as a real tree, but with the added bonus of versatility and room for creativity. Ranging from all colors, shapes, and sizes, these trees can be unique for all homes—there’s even a rainbow tree for those feeling especially festive!
The Practicality Factor
While these trees are less environmentally friendly, being non-recyclable or biodegradable, they’re designed to last for a long time, often up to a decade or more. This means you won’t have to purchase a new one every year, keeping it cost-effective in the long run. The convenience of not having to deal with upkeep can also be a huge time-saver.
People’s preferences often reflect their lifestyles. Those who work a busy 9-to-5 job may pick up an artificial tree for its low maintenance. However, someone who values quality with their family may opt for a real tree. In both scenarios, an artificial tree could work as an undeniably more cost effective and convenient option, while still keeping almost the same sentimental value as a real tree.
Which Tree Comes Out on Top?
In the end, no matter what type of tree you choose, Christmas trees are a fun way to celebrate the holidays and get you in the holiday spirit. However, when weighing the cost, time, and effort involved, artificial trees seem to offer a much more convenient and hassle-free option. With their long lifespan, low maintenance, and versatility, artificial trees seem to be the clear winner in this battle of the branches.
