Real or faux?

If you celebrate Christmas you've probably had to make the decision at some point to either buy a real tree or invest in an artificial one. For my family, it's a no-brainer, a real Christmas tree is the way to go. It's a tradition I can't imagine ever giving up. 

During the 80's my parents briefly had an artificial tree because that's just what people did back then. My sister and I were very pleased when we convinced our parents to ditch the fake tree one year and to start buying a real one again. What I find interesting, is that the pendulum seems to be swinging back in favour of artificial trees. When I ask friends why they decided to go that route I find that most of them mention the convenience factor. I suppose it is less labour-intensive to put together the tree that is stored in the closet rather than go out and chop one down or stand in the freezing cold of the grocery store parking lot to buy one. I understand their point, but it's not enough to get me to change our family tradition.

For the last few years we've been going out as an extended family to a Christmas tree farm in Navan. Part of the fun is walking around the large property, trying to find  the perfect tree. This "perfect" tree often ends up lopsided and bare in some spots but it is well-loved nonetheless. Also, you just can't beat the smell of a real Christmas tree in the house!


I've posted a few pictures from two years ago. Sadly, it's raining today, so I think it will be a while before we get the picture perfect snowy day that is essential for proper tree picking. 

Setting off on our tree-cutting adventure.

Still searching...

Found it!

Some of the eclectic ornaments we've collected over the years, many of them hand-made by the kids when they were little.

So what about you, I'm curious, do you have an artificial tree or do you prefer to buy a real one every year? Let me know in the comments section below.