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Lynch's Life

Real vs. Fake

OK, so it's a question many of us ask this time of year... "Should I put up a fake or real Christmas tree?"

My wife and I had this very discussion a few weeks ago.  Ya see, this year is the first year that we're spending together as a married couple in our new house.  We always used to put up a fake 6 ft tree in one of our apartments in the past.  But, this year, when we put that 6 ft tree up in the house, it looked like a Charlie Brown tree - way too small.  So, we debated on whether or not to get a real tree or buy a new, taller and larger fake tree.

Ultimately we went out and bought a new 7 1/2 ft fake tree and it looks great.  But, I do miss that real Christmas tree smell.  I did try buying a "tree smell" spray - nope, didnt smell anything like a Christmas tree.

So, I'm curious what you do every Christmas season.  Why do you put up a fake vs. real tree and vice versa?  Do you ever switch back and forth from year to year?

Published Thursday, December 07, 2006 2:59 PM by PaulLynch

Comments

 

JJHOSE said:

Good question, Paul....my husband and I did the real tree for several years.  I too, loved the real tree smell, however, this is how I see it:

Real tree:  good smell, pride of picking out the "perfect tree" and cutting it yourself (if you can find the perfect one)

Fake tree:  looks the same, comes with lights on it, doesn't have any spiders or other animals inhabiting it, doesn't leak sticky sap on carpet, needles don't fall off and stick in your carpet or feet, doesn't have to be watered, has guaranteed "perfect tree" form

Another big plus for the fake tree-- most dogs are very allergic to real Christmas trees and have horrible allergic reactions to them.
So, that being said....We are now fans of the fake Christmas tree and so are our black Labs, Montana and Dakota.

-Jayme
December 7, 2006 8:03 PM
 

KellyGlorioso said:

I am one of those die hard "real tree" fans.  I know they are a lot of work (watering, cleaning up needles, etc) but I just have to have a real tree every year.  I love the smell, I love picking it out each year, and I love decorating it!

Don't ask me in January, though, when I'm trying to remove the dead thing.  I might not love it then... but by the time next December rolls around I'll be out to buy another one!
December 8, 2006 10:29 AM
 

MikeParker said:

Gotta have the real thing...
But we learned a harsh lesson last year when I cut a tree that I thought was the prettiest I'd ever seen. After setting it up in the house, I went outside for a few hours, only to return to a harsh smell resembling cat urine.

That's right... I cat pee. And we have two dogs. No cats.

Turns out, I cut down a White Spruce, which I later found out has the unfortunate nickname of the Cat Spruce. It doesn't smell that way if you pass it in the wild, but as soon as you cut it, it puts out a horrible smell.

We decided to give the tree a few days and see if the smell would go away, and every day I sprayed it with some really strong peppermint spray from Bath & Body Works. Worked like a charm. After a couple of days, the smell was undetectable, and after we took down the tree, I stood it up in the woods behind our house. It stayed green for like three months, and the birds loved it.
December 9, 2006 6:00 PM
 

jentroy said:

While I've had real trees in the past, living in an apartment with very low piled carpet, I've found that an artificial tree is much easier.  I also tend to be forgetful when it comes to watering (thus more fallen needles).  So I have a REAL FAKE tree :) , and it's just as beautiful, without lots less responsibility!!!  
December 11, 2006 2:48 PM
 

ShannonDavidson said:

Wow, Paul, I'm totally bummed.  I thought this thread would be about a *completely* different debate.  Ha!
December 13, 2006 4:24 PM
 

jaimefettrow said:

Real trees are the way to go.  Yes, they are messy, but so too is wrapping paper everywhere!  Nothing beats the smell of a real tree.   And don't try to convince me otherwise!
December 13, 2006 7:40 PM
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About PaulLynch

It's nice to be back home in Central PA! I'm originally from Long Island, NY; but, moved to Lancaster in '93. I graduated from Manheim Township High School, and got my B.S. in Meterology from Marauder Country (aka - Millersville University) in 2002. My first job in TV was at NBC 25 in Hagerstown, MD; but, I've be here at CBS 21 since 2003. I currently live in Lancaster with my wife Kelly, daughter Grace and dog Maggie. You can see me weekday mornings on 21 News This Morning. Drop me a line and let's talk weather or whatever you want.

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