Natural or artificial? This arboreal debate is the big one of the season for families across the United States as they begin their decorating.
Parents struggle with this decision. Perhaps by reading this, you might be able to participate in coming up with the answer.
Artificial trees have become increasingly popular. According to WiseGeek.com, artificial Christmas trees are cleaner, safer and reusable with a variety of styles. Fake trees don’t lose their needles, so no sweeping every night before bed.
Most artificial trees are made with a flame resistant layer. Most importantly, dad can just pull the tree from the the attic, instead of buying a new one as the season begins.
Artificial trees come in all forms – large, small and all colors of the rainbow. A major disadvantage of an artificial tree might not surprise you. Prices can be fairly expensive. Wal-Mart’s low price is $18, but the cost can quickly skyrocket to $399.
If a “fake” tree is not right for your family, you might want to consider a real old-fashioned Christmas tree. A major advantage is the affordability. Prices range from $20-$50 depending on the height of the tree.
Though you have to buy a new tree each year, the adventure of walking through rows of pines and firs, smelling the aromas of the outdoors while sipping hot cider or cocoa and spending time with family and loved ones is a tradition some families look forward to with anticipation.
At season’s end, the tree can be recycled and be returned to the environment. For example, many of Nashville’s discarded holiday trees end up as mulch on the many trails at Radnor Lake State Park, just a couple miles from the Lipscomb campus.
Some disadvantages that come with putting up a real tree are that they require constant watering and cleaning up of needles.
Whichever tree your family decides upon, the lights and ornaments will quickly diminish any recollection of prices and lists of pros and cons. The tree brightens the room with the beauty of Christmas, and each family has its own preference.