Christmas Tree - real or artificial

[Gemini]

I love a real Christmas Tree.
Ever since I have had my own home I have had one. Never less than 5 feet high, usually around 6 feet.
For years I had 2 real trees, a smaller one in a pot for the hallway as well as the main one. The last small one we had is now in the front garden over 5 feet high. I bought a 2 foot high artificial one for the hallway which sits on a little table each year. With white lights and silver decorations it looks fine.

This year I have been considering an artificial tree for the main living room tree for next year
It would have to be really realistic looking. I know such trees cost a lot. Our tree costs £40 each year, so an expensive artificial one would soon be paid for.
I am still undecided. There are lovely ones reduced on the sale at Balsam Hill, but not at the height height we want , and either unlit or with coloured lights. I don't have white for the main tree.

I am looking and considering.
Do you have an artificial tree, and if so are you happy with it?

[Nanto2girls]

We used to have real trees when the kids were little,but we have a fibre optic artificial tree now.
Eldest grandaughter got a new one this year. She got a flocked on, and it looked really nice trimmed up.
Don't know if it was prelit or not.

https://www.christmastreeworld.co.uk/the-pre-lit-snowy-alpine-tree-5ft-to-8ft

It was very similar to this one. She bought hers from Very.

[Oma]

We bought ours from Balsam hill two years ago , it's 5 1/2 feet pre lit with white lights Fraser Fir,
so expensive £345 at the time but we reckon it will out see us , also bought the pre lit mantle garland ,

Very heavy and when you put it up it takes quite a while to open it out properly to get best effect so worth it though ( I watched a tutorial on youtube)
To be honest I wish we had bought one years ago

[Daisy]

Gem, I would rather have a real one, but one year we had one that dropped its needles well before Christmas Day even though we had kept it watered, misted etc. OH said never again, so we've now had several artificial ones. I don't think they're ever as nice as a real one, but I can see the sense, and it does save pets' paws from getting needles in them.

Our is about 6' and is about 20 years old! So whatever it cost (about £100) I think it was well worth it. We have a smaller newer one which we sometimes put in the hall or dining room. Neither of them look fabulous, but they're not an embarrassment either!

[Gemini]

I fancy the Balsam Hill one Oma. If I can find a way to ensure OH has no idea of the true cost I may get one! (She is shocked every time we spend £40 on real one!) Some are reduced in the sale which ends tomorrow but I think only one which suits me.
I will have to decide and act!

[Nana]

We always had a real tree but also gave in in the end. I absolutely love the smell of a real tree when you get up in the morning & open the door to the smell of pine. Childhood memories too.

Our tree stands taller than me (easy I know 😉) & is very realistic. Costly but we got it in the sale. I think this year they've been proven more eco-friendly too. 🎄🥂

[Grauntie Mag]

We had our last real tree last year, and despite being left outside until Christmas Eve it dropped its needles really quickly. This year I made an alternative tree.

[Gemini]

How clever is that Grauntie?! Well done

I have ordered a tree like Oma's but with coloured lights. The Boxing Day sale ends today, and it was £110 less in the sale, so I bit the bullet and ordered it.

[Grauntie Mag]

Easy peasy Gem, I saw it first on Pinterest.
If I were to buy an artificial tree I would buy one with lights too, but I’m a mean, mean woman so I won’t all the time I can come up with an alternative. 😆

[Gemini]

Not mean, just inventive

[Daisy]

Grauntie - you clever lady, you! I love that.

Gem - are you pleased with your new tree? And is OH?

[Gemini]

It's not here yet Daisy..

[Daisy]

Ahhh, ok!

[Grauntie Mag]

You will have to set it up when it arrives Gem, to make sure it’s as it should be, then you can have an ‘un Christmas’. 😁 🥂🍾

[Nana]

Fantastic Grauntie. You're very creative. Gem, will you be having a practice run with your tree as suggested?