The Christmas tree is a staple decoration for the holiday season. Even if one doesn’t decorate, they will probably put up a tree, some even put up more than one. But the problem is choosing between a real tree or an artificial tree.

I believe that real Christmas trees, despite risks, are the better choice.

Christmas isn’t just about gifts and decorations but the family interaction that comes with the time.

My family usually spends our time at home away in our rooms, but during the holiday season we bake cookies and my favorite activity, cut down a Christmas tree.

Once we bring home the tree, we can have a lovely, natural smelling tree in our house.

While it is true that a real Christmas tree could start a fire, it is not uncommon for a fake tree to also start a fire if placed or used incorrectly. The same goes for a real Christmas tree, as long the tree is cared for properly and kept watered, there is a much lower chance it will catch on fire according to candsins.com

I also like the soft scent and feel of a natural tree. But the important debate is not over smell and feel, rather the long-lasting environmental effects.

Around 10 million artificial trees are purchased every Christmas season and around 90 percent are shipped from China, resulting in an increase of carbon emissions, according to nature.org

Not to mention the material artificial trees are made of is non-recyclable and will eventually end up in a landfill whether someone keeps the tree for one Christmas season or for ten.

Natural trees can be recycled and reused for local community conservation and habitat projects.

Buying real trees every year can support tree farms and encourage replanting to keep the land healthy for forest wildlife that relies on the habitat to survive.

Despite the 350 million to 500 million trees grown, only about 30 million trees are bought, according to greenmatters.com. These local farms produce jobs for many, homes for wildlife and oxygen for everyone.

Rather than folding to the easier option, if we can afford it, we should be helping our future generations by supporting tree farms and helping the environment by buying real Christmas trees.

The holidays are the most stressful time of the year for most families so why do people feel the need to stress out about the Christmas tree of all things? 

Living in 2020 our generation is all about efficiency, rather than making the whole family take a trip to stand in cold weather, to haul, trim, and carry a real Christmas tree home, I would rather ship it to my doorstep. 

Artificial Christmas trees are overlooked in many ways. The convenience of only having to buy one reusable Christmas tree will end up saving time and money in the future. While real trees can range anywhere from typically $50 and up in price depending on size and condition of the tree, a trip and purchase must be made once each year. Artificial trees can come in multiple sizes, colors, and styles to fit the theme for every family’s perfect holiday, not to mention the one time purchase ranging from $30 and up depending on size, color, and popularity. Over time, by reusing the artificial trees owners will save money and time.

    Decorating artificial trees is also much easier. Memories and holiday spirit can still be spread without worrying about falling pine needles, sap, the tree base, or watering the tree daily. An artificial tree requires no care other than plugging in the Christmas lights and enjoying the view. 

Not to mention real trees can be a potential safety hazard in a few ways. Artificial trees are hypoallergenic so there’s no need to worry about mold or pollen from real pine trees that can cause a runny nose, watery eyes, or trouble breathing.  Artificial trees also eliminate the need to worry about possible bugs who lived on or in the tree being in your home. Another possible hazard with real trees is the increased potential for a house fire. Once you’ve cut down a real pine tree the pine and branches become more dry, the hot Christmas bulbs against a dry pine tree could be enough to catch the tree and if not careful, everything near it, on fire. 

While buying artificial Christmas trees may seem “clique”, great memories can be made regardless of fake or real. Artificial trees overall save money, time, and are safer.