Christmas tree: Real or fake?

[tiagosilva29]

No tree.

[DrCheese]

My parents have a fake one (that they've put up already :| ) that they've had since the 80s and will probably keep for another 20 odd years, heh.

Myself, I wouldn't really bother. I went on a major decorating spree a few years ago but they just get in the way and are a pain to take down again.

[John S. Veteran]

we got a nice 7' live tree last night for $29

[0trunk]

Fake, my parents have been using theirs for just over 11 years. Although if you know where to look you can get a real tree for free.

[The_Decryptor Veteran]

My parents have a fake one (that they've put up already :| ) that they've had since the 80s and will probably keep for another 20 odd years, heh.

Myself, I wouldn't really bother. I went on a major decorating spree a few years ago but they just get in the way and are a pain to take down again.

I worked around that by just not taking it down.

I think I got up to May or something before it was pretty much a "Pull it down or I'll throw it out" thing.

[mastermate]

Just put up a 10ft Noble tree (travelling on business for two weeks so wanted to get it sorted before I leave), cost $40.

A couple of years ago, we picked up a 13.5 ft tree. Look fantastic!

I also have a 6ft fake in the loft. Looks awful in comparison to a real one.

[4CxbqFxVnstmA Veteran]

I always thought artificial Christmas trees were a new thing, but here it says that the oldest one known is from 1886:

[inferniac]

I prefer real trees, where I live you can get one for ~10$.

[Alan-]

Fake, mainly so I can use it year after year and not have to deal with crazy cleanup. Plus, pre-lit is nice too :D

[azure.sapphire]

Fake. I would prefer real, however. It is true that a fake tree costs more, but you can reuse it every year. The real trees in my area are a bit on the expensive side ($50 to $75 for a good fir) in the Midwest?!... WTF. I got a real tree last year for $25 and it didn't even make it to past December 25th. If I could fine a good quality tree for <= $20, I would purchase it in a heartbeat.

[Mr aldo]

How long do those who have a fake tree keep them/plan to reuse them till you get a new one?

The way my family sees it, it costs $200 - $300 for a fake one, which would mean it would take 20 - 30 years for the fake tree to pay off. Plus with a real you get the plus of it smelling good.

[azure.sapphire]

I got my fake tree, a Grand Fir (well sort of) Christmas tree for $90 back in 2002. I have used it every year since. On some years I mix in either a Balsam or Fraser as well. I have even been known to look at a pine or two. I will agree with you though that a fake tree is really lacking. There are generally not the most realistic and they have no smell. Worse, artificial scents have a canned smell.

A good 7.5ft grand fir for the foyer (that is a good width) will cost me easily $50 (if not $75). So based on this I could have spent $450 or $675. Instead, I usually get a smaller tree that is real (like a $10 table top or a smaller $25 Balsam) if I want smell.

It all comes down to cost.

[Kerm]

Real every time.

The smell is almost as beautiful as they look.

[Raa]

Need to change the real tree cost adding the option "Can't buy one where we are" :p

We've had a fake since I was a kid.

[metallithrax]

Fake, white (girlfriend wanted pink:x )

Cost £12.49

[firey]

How long do those who have a fake tree keep them/plan to reuse them till you get a new one?

The way my family sees it, it costs $200 - $300 for a fake one, which would mean it would take 20 - 30 years for the fake tree to pay off. Plus with a real you get the plus of it smelling good.

I bought mine in october for 15$.... (Fake 6')

[Mr aldo]

How did you get a fake one for $15? Garage sale or something?

[firey]

How did you get a fake one for $15? Garage sale or something?

Nope, was marked down at Zellers from 75$ to 44$ then it was another 75% off because it was discontinued.

[Growled Member]

We always get a real one. I love the smell. They cost between $45 and $60 dollars here.

[Hum]

If the neighbors have a live one growing, I'll get out the saw .... :shiftyninja:

[PT 13]

Real / Free (I have a place where I can get them for free) :)

BTW I don't celebrate christmas, but my family does (and I still live with them so...)

[KamiQuazi]

Fake.

Cheaper in the long run.

No mess.

No smell.

No allergies.

Pretty much sumed up everything

+1

[Kreuger]

I always had real as a kid so I hated the idea of a fake one but the wife grew up with them so we have a small one in our room and my parents put a real one upstairs (yes we live with them). Works out alright for me.

[cork1958]

Will NEVER have a real tree in the house again!

[Izlude]

Is there a "post your tree" thread made yet? If so, I have some photos to contribute :)