Every year, we struggle with the ultimate Christmas decision: buy yet another live Christmas tree and struggle to keep up with sap and watering and fallen needles, OR buy a fake tree and deal with the backlash of family and friends who think it's a cop out to have a fake tree.
The truth is, though, that fake trees are getting more and more popular, and it's really not that big of a deal anymore to buy a fake tree. Except for those all-white "retro" trees...dude, the 1950s called, they want their holiday decor back! But with a fake tree you fall into the consumerist trap of feeling like you need a bigger and better fake tree every year. I don't know, but having a fake tree just doesn't appeal to me...no pine aroma, no feeling of genuine Christmas heritage, it just doesn't feel right.
Now, we have some tree-huggers in our family and we definitely feel the pressure to to not "kill a tree" for the sake of decoration for just a few short weeks. I know, I know...those of us in the know understand that Christmas tree farms are mostly sustainable and that these trees are grown just for this purpose, but try arguing that with a 22-year-old hipster cousin who thinks eating honey "exploits bees."
This year we're going to strike a balance between festiveness and being "green" by getting a potted Christmas tree and then planting it in the yard after the season is over. I'm wagering that the tree won't live long from the shock of the change in temperature and being planted in frost-hardened soil, but we'll see how it goes.
Have a blessed Sunday everyone, and stay safe in your crazy shopping travels!
1 comment:
We tried that one year...planting the tree after the holidays. It was dead by spring.
We are the proud owners of a beautiful fake tree purchased on awesome after Christmas clearance.
I want a live tree for our family room this year. I'm not afraid of needles.
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