Real, Artificial or No Christmas Tree?

[imoldernu]

Tomorrow is decision time... If the thread lasts long enough, will report on the results.
DW and I are at swords point on this... I have purchased a lighted leg, with a beautiful shade, that I want to place in the window facing the street.

She is opting for the folding, prelighted tree that we have used for the past five years. IMO, no creativity, no imagination.

Decisions like this have cost men's lives.

[Meadbh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by imoldernu Decisions like this have cost men's lives.

Do both?

[daylatedollarshort]

We had an artificial tree for over thirty years. It was a large decorated tree, lights and all from a grocery store that the manager marked down to next to nothing just to get rid of it rather than store it for next year.

We donated it Goodwill this past year along with 80% of the decorations as a part of our declutterring, downsizing and simpler living campaign. No more Griswolds Christmases for us. This year it will be some solar lights outside and inside the plan is to get a dwarf evergreen that stays potted on the patio most of the year and we bring inside over the holidays. Or maybe I will get a small table top tree. I have to survey the family and see what they all want, but it will be something more minimal than past years.

[eytonxav]

Haven't had a real tree since moving to Dallas in early 90s. Since we recently downsized with much less storage space decided to get rid of 2 large artificial trees. Now we are using DD's 2' purple christmas tree which goes with her school colors.

[Bestwifeever]

If/when we stop putting up a real tree, I don't think we would even use an artificial one. We would put some ornaments on a houseplant and the rest in a big bowl.

[RetireAge50]

Thought about projecting one onto wall. Didn't quite fly yet.

Always had gone to mount Rainier and cut one for about $10. Gas was worth it because trip doubled as sledding adventure.

Now Costco live tree or local tree farm. Will try for electronic tree next year!

[rescueme]

Festivus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the rest of us, who rather forget the whole thing ...

[daylatedollarshort]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rescueme Festivus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For the rest of us, who rather forget the whole thing ...

I think it is cute all the companies and public buildings that have included festivus poles in their multi-cultural holiday displays -

Christmas tree shares space with menorah, nativity scene, Festivus pole in Wis. Capitol | Star Tribune

[MBAustin]

Like sheesh1, we had to give up the real tree when DS was 2 as we discovered how serious his allergies were. Just bought our 3rd artificial tree in those 20 years - the first one finally gave up the ghost after about 11 years (it fell apart after it was decorated - what a mess!). Although #2 is still functional, it's very large and heavy and thus hard for me to drag out and set up on my own. So I bought a much smaller pre-lit tree which I'll set up this evening.

We do have a real tree as well - outside. Our neighborhood has a tradition of each home having a tree with lights in the front yard. They order them in bulk and deliver them right to our front yard. Set it up and decorated it this afternoon! It really is beautiful to drive around the neighborhood with the lit trees all down the street.

[Accidental Retiree]

Attachment 17628

[TOOLMAN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rescueme Festivus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For the rest of us, who rather forget the whole thing ...

+1

[imoldernu]

Our tree....

[martyp]

We get a small real tree each year about a week before Christmas. It comes down on New Years day. It you keep it watered it is fine for 3 weeks. Christmas trees are a renewable resource grown on tree farms. We recycle the tree when we are done with it.

We don't celebrate a religious Christmas but I like the idea of having a lighted living tree in the house during the darkest days of the year. Call it a solstice celebration if you will.

[Sarah in SC]

When we lived in a more urban place, we ha a tree every year because our big party was New Year's Eve. Since we moved to the country 10 years ago, we haven't ever taken down any of the decorations from the attic or considered getting a tree. Too much trouble and no one would see it anyway. Meh, Christmas.

My sis is making a big deal out of our helping decorate theirs when we go see them next week; she thinks we are somehow missing out on the holiday spirit. I guess. I also hate Christmas music.

[Nodak]

I used to live near several Christmas tree farms. In late September they would spray the trees that were going to be harvested with some sort of a green waxy coating. I assume to keep them from drying out. The trees were cut in late October or early November depending on what the local weather was doing. All trees were cut before we had snow. Then they were trucked away. I don't know how long the spray coating would preserve them but any tree sold was at least a month to 6 weeks after harvest before it was purchased.

[steelyman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarah in SC I also hate Christmas music.

I don't know. Most sucks, but I am favorable to "Sleigh Ride" and "Happy Holidays" from "Holiday Inn".

[MRG]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nodak I used to live near several Christmas tree farms. In late September they would spray the trees that were going to be harvested with some sort of a green waxy coating. I assume to keep them from drying out. The trees were cut in late October or early November depending on what the local weather was doing. All trees were cut before we had snow. Then they were trucked away. I don't know how long the spray coating would preserve them but any tree sold was at least a month to 6 weeks after harvest before it was purchased.

It doesn't preserve them in any way. Its just what you said, waxy, green coating. Like shiny green shoe polish.
When the tree is cut and sits it's dead. Things like polish and water just make it look better, longer. I'm not a tree hugger, but its good to know how it works.

MRG

[Sarah in SC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelyman I don't know. Most sucks, but I am favorable to "Sleigh Ride" and "Happy Holidays" from "Holiday Inn".

Wait, I lied. There is one song I like. HFWR feel free to sing along.

http://youtu.be/P37xPiRz1sg

[Meadbh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by imoldernu Our tree....

That's beautiful. The photos you have posted of your home have a different decor. Is this tree in a public area?

[Moemg]

We will have a real Christmas tree but each year it gets smaller . My decorations have also shrunk but we still do it all including a large Christmas Eve party .