The Great Christmas Tree Debate

I have heard a lot of debate over a real Christmas tree verses a fake one. So here is my two cents.

I love the smell of a real tree. But I hate the clean up, the water that always gets spilled, and the needles that fall off before Christmas even arrives creating more for me to vacuum. Plus, the time it takes to wrap, and then unwrap, the lights takes forever. And if it's not taking forever, the tree just doesn't look as good.

A fake tree, on the other hand, you can get pre-lit, "needle" loss is minimal, and you don't have to worry about the water. Bonus, it's much cheaper to buy a fake tree (especially if you wait until the day after Christmas) once, instead of a real one every year. Huge downside, though, is the lack of smell. And we always remember the smells of the holidays just as much, if not more than, everything else.

So, here is my solution: Buy the fake tree. The day after Christmas everything goes on sale to around 50% off at most stores. So if you want to spend about the same amount for a fake tree as what you pay for a real one, the day after Christmas is the time to do it. Fake trees are just so much easier; and really, the holidays cause enough stress as we're running around trying to find that perfect gift, attending all of the parties and events, etc.

For that wonderful, piney smell go visit your nearest tree lot, take a couple of dollars with you, and ask them for some of their cuttings. They'll give them to you for free. The money is for a tip so they'll continue to give us the clippings for free.

You can use the clippings in all kinds of ways to both decorate and "smell up" your home. I put mine in a pretty basket and add pine cones and fake berries. I also put a large bundle of clippings in a box, poke a bunch of holes all over it, and leave it under the tree. It only takes 5 minutes to make both and the clean up is so easy! Just grab the box and toss it in the trash. One good vacuuming after everything is taken down is all you need. Plus, no sap on the carpet! Bonus!!! Another tip, if you leave the box in the path of the heater, the air flow from the furnace will help circulate the aromas from the clippings. However, leave plenty of distance so you don't create a fire hazard!!! The box doesn't need heat, just air flow!!!

You could make a wreath--just tie all of the clippings together with some brown twine, and put something cute in the center like a light-up Santa face. Or make a "table wreath" and put faux candles in the center. Just make sure to put down a cloth of some kind if you're worried about scratches, and help make clean-up a breeze. (Take the whole thing--table cloth and wreath--out to the trash in a bundle. Open it up and give it a quick shake into the dumpster, and you're done!)

If you find yourself with a lot of extra time, you can make a garland and hang it wherever you'd like. Every year, you can try something new, or stick with just the box under the tree--whatever is best for you. Maybe you're not sure if you'll have time, and that's ok. Just make sure you get LOTS of clippings when you go to the tree lot! You'd be surprised how much clippings you'll need for a seemingly small project. And you can do all of these 5 minute projects for just a couple of dollars! (Just be sure to not throw away the faux candles and berries so you can use them again next year! Lol!)

So, save yourself some time and money while reducing stress by buying a pre-lit fake tree. Save time at the tree lot by not spending hours each year picking out the 'perfect tree' when you can just get clippings. You're in and out in about 5 minutes. You can spend all that time you saved doing whatever else needs to be done--like trips to the post office. And if you're feeling adventurous, add a new center piece to your table while you're at it. You will still spend less time adding a simple center piece each year than it takes to set up and take down a real tree. You really can have the best of both worlds in your Christmas tree!!!

Happy Holidays!!!