So, let’s dive into the Great Christmas Tree Debate: are you Team Fake or Team Real? I grew up in a household that embraced artificial trees. My family would haul down a battered box from the attic the day after Thanksgiving, held together with masking tape, to reveal our beloved fake tree. This was back in the ’80s, long before pre-lit trees were a thing, which meant we always had to untangle a mess of lights. Picture us as a family spending hours bending branches into shape, assembling the tree, and ensuring the lights worked. Sound familiar to anyone else from a fake tree family?
Once our tree was ready, my siblings and I would head over to our grandmother’s place and do the same for her artificial tree. I can still visualize Grandma, hot glue gun in hand, squinting through her bifocals as she repaired broken branches. I always thought her tree was ancient, probably brought over on the Mayflower. Looking back, I might just be right.
When I think about Christmas, artificial trees come to mind—the laughter, the sibling banter, and even the occasional grumbling. Yes, I remember burning my fingers with hot glue and pinching my skin on those quirky branch hinges. But you know, that tree had character, much like a favorite old pot that’s soaked up flavors over the years.
It’s funny that my wife, Sarah, and I met while working at a Christmas tree lot. The first time I held a real tree, it was at a store where I was unloading them with her. I still remember the scent and being amazed by her strength as she lifted those heavy trees off the truck.
When we got married, Sarah was adamant about having a real tree, and I have to admit, I wasn’t on board. I wanted our Christmas to mirror my childhood experience, and honestly, buying a dead tree each year just to deal with shedding needles sounded absurd. I voiced my concerns, and she looked at me like I had just insulted Santa himself. “It’s not about the money! Christmas needs a real tree!” she insisted. I rolled my eyes but eventually gave in.
That first Christmas with a real tree didn’t fully convert me. Sure, the smell was delightful, but the needles got everywhere, and despite our best efforts, we forgot to water it, leading to some brown patches. I even managed to break our vacuum trying to clean up after Christmas.
For a few years, we went back and forth between fake and real trees, often debating the environmental impacts. As self-proclaimed hippies, we would argue whether cutting down trees was necessary or if we should avoid adding more plastic to landfills. Reflecting on those debates, it’s amusing how both sides have environmental consequences.
Eventually, things changed when we had kids. Living in Oregon, there’s a tree farm just ten miles from us. Every year, we bundle up in the winter chill, with snow all around, to cut down our own tree. The kids help pick it out, and an elderly gentleman hands me a bow saw, making the experience feel like a family adventure. It’s not quite the Griswold-style tree hunting, but it’s our own special tradition.
Setting up the tree together has become a cherished family ritual. We breathe in the fresh scent, get sap on our hands, and listen to classic holiday tunes. This tradition has become the essence of our Christmas, much different from my childhood fake tree experience.
I can imagine that 20 years down the line, if my son were to write a similar essay, he’d probably complain about the effort it took to get our new Christmas tree, but he’d likely do it with a smile, just like I do when reminiscing about family traditions.
Ultimately, the holiday season is filled with its share of pros and cons, but I’ve chosen my side in the Great Tree Debate: it’s real or nothing. I plan to keep this tradition alive for as long as I can cut down a tree. I’m sure many of you have your own opinions on this debate, and it often comes down to family traditions. So, what about you? Which team are you on?
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Summary
The holiday season brings its own set of traditions, and the debate over real versus fake Christmas trees is a personal one for many families. While I grew up with an artificial tree, my love for real trees has grown through shared experiences with my own family. Ultimately, it’s about what brings joy and creates lasting memories.
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