So I went over to Stacy’s page today and answered the poll question. I’m kind of surprised at the results so far.
I mean, I know that I just went and bought an artificial tree myself, and I claimed that it was the “perfect tree”, but it’s only as good as an artificial one can be. There’s just something about a real tree; there’s its texture, and of course the way the whole house smells like pine (or fir, whatever your preference). Sure, it’s a little more upkeep, but there are some handy tips to help out with that. For example, a small rake works wonders for getting up all the needles…
Real Christmas trees aren’t perfect. They’re usually shaped well, but there’s always a spot that isn’t quite as full as they should be. In my opinion, this is actually a good thing. I’ve discussed this before with respect to the ornaments on the tree, but it’s just as true for the tree itself when it’s real.
And it’s not just about the actual tree itself; it’s also about the background behind the tree. For about five or six years, in my middle and high school years, our family got real trees. We always had a great time going around to the various farms and finding the right tree. Of course, being the one to find the tree was a badge of honor worn throughout the season.
With an artificial tree, you open a box and assemble it. Admittedly, the process is faster than a real tree, but should something like decorating a Christmas tree be about speed?
I know that some people can’t have real trees for various reasons. And I know that some people can’t afford to get a real tree year after year. But if you can do it one year, I’d say try it.
I’m glad someone is answering my poll!! And for the record, I am still proud of my SINGING Christmas tree. It’s artificial, it’s covered with tacky garland, and it sings Christmas carols when activated by a motion sensor. What more do you need?!?! Oh yeah, and it has eyes that glow green when it sings! 🙂
I think real trees are definitely the best. My family had a fake tree for a large portion of my growing up, and then we switched to real trees, and they’re SO much cooler. True, they’re a pain to clean up, but even if it took a whole hour to get up the needles…what’s one hour a year? Of course, other things like money and allergies can also play a role…we have a fake tree this year. But not just any fake free…the former 1122 Christmas tree.
Oh, how that brings back the days of tree hunting!!! And what a day we made of it. Those are memories to be cherished. Then, there’s the cleaning up; our trees being SO large (not quite as big in the field, though, were they?) that we had to cut them up to get them out the door. But the smell!!!! Makes me want to go get one this year. But without all of you home, it wouldn’t be the adventure it once was. Thanks for the memory 🙂
Stacy: I’d say tacky has no place at Christmas, but then again, we once had the Land of 1122 Lights ®…Ricky: I’m glad that the 1122 tree still has a home for the holidays, if not necessarily a permanent one. :)Mom: it was fun, wasn’t it? Pizza pocket things from Hardees, the converted tractor/winch setup to get the tree in the twine at the one farm, place-kicking contests with Dr Pepper bottles…these wonderful things are the things we remember all through our lives. 🙂
Don’t forget the burger-eating machine in the back, good ol’ baby Bart. Although his trips were limited, they were memorable!!!