The debate over real vs artificial Christmas trees is about more than just pine needles and plastic- it’s about what families value most.
For some, artificial Christmas trees provide an easier and quicker route to set up for Christmas during the busy holiday season. They require no water, and less time and effort in the long run. For others, real Christmas trees are preferred for the traditional and environmental benefits.
“While growing, trees help keep the air clean and they provide wildlife habitat,” writes Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association.
Mr. King, an art teacher at Torrington High School, recalls that his family used to bring home real Christmas trees when he was younger, but they’ve since switched to artificial ones for convenience.
Still, he believes the tradition of going out to get real trees is very special. “We would go to the same farm, we would know people and they would know us.” However, he acknowledges that getting a fake Christmas tree doesn’t eliminate traditions, it just changes them.
Senior Arianna Skarupa agrees that real trees have their own appeal during the holidays. Though her family uses a fake tree, she would use a real one “for the nostalgia and just aesthetic of a true New England Christmas.”
Cost also plays a role in this decision for some. For senior Jayden Lin, it’s the main reason for preferring a fake tree: “I prefer to buy one tree that I can reuse over multiple years.”
In a poll of 50 people, the results were close: 26 voted for fake Christmas trees, while 24 voted for real Christmas trees. Do you agree with these results? Vote below!
