Faking it is making it

The great tree debate

A Christmas-tree-having-witch wrote:

It’s the season for...fake Christmas trees? I’ve always been a staunch real tree buyer and fan, but they’re such a pain in the ass, especially when it comes to taking them down. We have radiator heat and no matter what, the trees end up so dry it scares me. So I’m exploring an artificial tree. But it kind of breaks my heart. I realize this is ridiculous and in the scheme of things. But. Would love to hear from artificial tree witches about if you love yours? Where it’s from? Regrets? Advice? Party on witches.

Little did I know that fake trees are, as the kids say, it. Now I’m jealous of everyone who has one. Here are some witchy takes on fake vs. real:

“First let me just say I am a HUGE Christmas fan / freak. I just love all of it. But I have had a fake tree for the past few years and I'm fine with it. It's from Balsam Hill. And to compensate for the smell of a real tree we still get a live wreath.”

“I bought a fake one five years ago and it was the best decision ever. It has saved Christmas. We haul it out every year and it has paid for itself twice over already. I miss the smell but not the mess and inconvenience.”

“My husband is allergic so we always go fake. My favorite part about it is he handles all the building and breaking down of it, so less work for me. I have nightmares of pine needle detritus all over my parents’ home for months after Christmas.”

“I love our fake tree. It’s from Home Depot and it is pre-lit and we don’t have to mess with needles and watering it and MESS and LUGGING IT AROUND and it’s my favorite. (I had a fake one growing up as well but switched to real once I had a roommate who preferred them, and then my husband and I switched back. Bliss.)”

“I've had a fake tree for the last... forever. We put it up right after Thanksgiving and leave it up until after New Years Day. I need the colors and light to combat our 49th parallel lack of day. Only eight hours where you have any hope of a glimpse of light - it is intense.”

“I love our prelit fake tree! They have really nice ones at Costco, and I get a real wreath and candles and replicate the smell. Once you get the tree, go on Amazon and buy a tree storage bag. It’s SO much easier than trying to put it all back in the box.”

“Love love love our fake pre-lit tree from Costco. It takes 2 minutes to put together and we can switch between color and white lights.”

“You’ll likely never look back. Took us a while to make the move, but so worth it. However, we bought a super nice one on sale after Christmas, and everyone thinks it’s real. So maybe one last year of the real one, then jump on the post-holiday sales?”

“I WISH I could have a gorgeous, non-shedding, pre-lit tree. But my husband accuses me of being The Grinch for suggesting such ideas. Jealous of the Witches not finding needles into July.”

“I think the key is don’t go for a realistic fake, have some fun with it and get something obviously fake like a very retro looking white, pink or silver:”

“It's a bit like feeding your baby - do whatever the hell works for your family! I am the mad La Leche lady of trees, insisting on a real tree. Then again, much like breast feeding, I do all the work. I pick it out, haul it on the roof of my car, cut off the trunk piece, set it up, mostly decorate it, and then dispose of it when it's all over, so really my husband has no leg to stand on.”

Exciting follow up: OP witch ended up getting this tree:

Her review:

In the great words of Lindsey Buckingham, ‘Never going back (to a real tree) again.’

Why I love it:

It looks great and I can keep zhushing and moving branches to make it look full.

No needles on the floor.

If cleanup is as easy as set up, my marriage will be in tact for many holidays to come.

The only con is the lack of smell, but I’ve got some candles and I got a real garland for the fireplace so...? I think this is a winner. Pine cones and all.

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