Which do you prefer? there is always an argument in our house, every year OH states he is going to buy an artificial tree, daughter and I say real...we always have a real tree ...however that never deters him as each year we go through the same flippin' argument.
Last year we moved in to the house mid October and there was loads which needed doing before we could even think of Christmas. . A few days before Christmas we were in B&Q and they were selling off their beautiful real Christmas trees for £ 5 ...total bargain, and it was a really beautiful tree.
So this year he is saying he wants another £ 5 real christmas tree from B&Q ..and an artificial one We usually put the tree up mid Dec.....when do you put yours up?
I had a real one last year. Love them but take up so much space that I don't have. Won't put one up this year but will put a few special decorations up to remember those no longer here. I can't get myself in the swing of it this year, much as I try.
We always had a real tree, it was part of the festivities with the Kids, going to the farm, choosing a tree together, coming home and decorating it, with hot chocolate in hand and a general wonderful atmosphere.
Since they have now got their own places and partners, we got an artificial one, as choosing the tree was part of the childhood tradition.
The artificial one is fine, we are now in a smaller home so it fits well, still using all the original decorations so looks great.
I do miss the lovely smell of the real one though. Great Idea Trisha, to have a real one outside..duly noted
There is a lot to be said for being part of a group, and the support and friendship that is gained from this.
I can't get myself in the swing of it this year, much as I try.
You've had a hellish year VWC, no wonder you can't get into Christmas .... whatever you do or don't want to do is going to be right for you, don't feel pressured by all the hype - ultimately it's really only a few days, treat yourself to whatever will get you through. If you believe the adverts, Christmas is a magical time when everyone is happy and families come together in peace & harmony, but in reality it can be a miserable time for people who are ill, lonely, sad or missing those they love.
We usually have a big real tree in one room, a twig artificial one in the other and a skinny artificial one in the kitchen - this year however we won't be able to do that because our nutty dog will attempt to climb/eat/destroy them, my OH has started making a wooden tree to put up in the lounge with decorations that won't break, but it's still in production so not sure whether that's going to be finished in time to be useful. Never mind, it's better than risking a visit to the vet on Boxing Day!
Blimey Cj, you’ve really smartened up your back passage, your outdoor tree is a real beauty 😂
We have an artificial tree, I would love a real one but unfortunately I have an allergic reaction to them, really itchy eyes, but my tree is very realistic and I am putting it up this weekend.
You leave me back passage out of this Mrs Jazzy .....it's in a right state at the moment...muck and slosh everywhere...and me plumbing is up the spout as me drainage is blocked...I would post a photograph but it is difficult to get the best angle...it's a right mess from any angle tbh
Shame you are allergic to real trees Jazzy, some of the artificial ones are amazing though I must admit...I like the twiggy ones with the LED lights on the branches, we may have one of those for the dining room as well.
I think I’ve only had a couple of real trees in my life. I bought a new artificial one a few years ago in the January sales and this will be the second time it’s going up. It’s one of those covered in artificial snow and it look lovely although that white stuff goes everywhere.
My last tree was used I think 27 times. Branches kept falling off till it was little more than a stick but I couldn’t get my head around getting rid of the tree that my little boys had been so excited about. In the end I sent it to the tip but I was a bit sad.
Im not sure about the ecological impact of new vs artificial. I made my old tree last as long as I could but in the end it would go to landfill which is not good and in the end this one will go the same way but if this one lasts as long it may well outlast me.
Ah now I know this is your second Christmas Cj 😉 We’ve always had real. Years ago we lived in a house where the floor was covered in carpet tiles. Thinking now, why didn’t we take them up as I think it was quarry tiles underneath. Anyway, it was a nightmare as when the needles dropped they embedded in the carpet. I used to have to use a screwdriver to flick the needles out. Then we moved and Christmas trees came and went and I realised I’m allergic to them. So about 5 years ago, I managed to persuade OH that we should have a fake. Yippee. It’ll see us out!
Says in an article about being green at Christmas in The Times, this morning that a fake tree has to have at least 10 years use to offset the energy used in its production. The article also mentions renting Christmas trees! Prices range from £35 to £75 plus a deposit.
As much as I love real trees and that would be my preference, they always gave me a bad chest at Christmas. Apparantly when you put one into a warm room, over time spores build up which can affect breathing.
There is a lot to be said for being part of a group, and the support and friendship that is gained from this.
As much as I love real trees and that would be my preference, they always gave me a bad chest at Christmas. Apparantly when you put one into a warm room, over time spores build up which can affect breathing.
Glad I’m not the only one, I had proper hay fever symptoms, it was in the kitchen/diner which was open and airy, otherwise, if it had been in the sitting room, I think I could have been a lot worse.