Your choice: Live or artificial Christmas trees?

Christmas in my parent's house - we could always count on two things: an elaborate light show outside, complete with baby Jesus in the manger and the three Wise men surrounding him; and an artificial tree on the inside.

Every year I assembled that tree. And if I'm not mistaken, I twisted and re-shaped the same artificial tree as an adult that was there when I was a teen. Oh my goodness those branches drove me nuts! It's not like it was rocket science to assemble the tree because each branch was color-coded to fit into a particular slot. So that when the tree was finished you had all the longer branches at the bottom and they triangled in as you moved up to the top of the tree. But then I had to try and smooth out the artificial pine, which had flattened in different directions from being stuffed in the box at the end of the holiday season. (That was probably my fault)

After the tree was assembled and I strung the lights, tinsel, bulbs and other decorations my Mom liked, and flipped the switch, it was gorgeous!

So, did I adopt my parents' tradition of artificial Christmas trees when I got my own apartment?

No way! I'll tell you why.

 Even though I have to go to the lot and pick out a decent tree every year, when I get it home, it's ready to decorate and I love that! I don't have to bend and re-shape, smooth out and figure out. I just pop the live tree into a tree stand, fill the basin with water and start decorating.

 Now this is a huge motivator for me. I can purchase a pretty good size Christmas tree - close to six feet - for about $30. For an artificial tree the same size, I'm going to pay at least $40 over that. And of course if I get an urge to get fancy, depending on the type of pine, my wallet could empty pretty fast! Now I know what you're going to say: "But you pay that ONCE and keep that tree every year." Okay but remember my experiences with artificial trees that I described earlier? Need I say more?

But all that said, a live tree requires maintenance in choosing and caring for it.

I had to learn to be proactive when I went to choose a Christmas tree because depending on the size of the tree lot and how much help is available, it's easy to find problems when you get the tree home. One year, I picked out a beautiful tree. (Now the type of pine never matters to me. I just want something visually appealing.) It was full and gorgeous after decoration. Then one day I looked up and noticed all these black dots all over the ceiling - black dots that started moving down and dangling in front of me. Oh my gosh! Baby spiders! Are you serious! Not cool for a severe arachnophobe. That was the end of that tree - immediately!

1. Don't pick a tree laying on the ground: As it gets closer to Christmas, some lots may just lay their trees down instead of propping them up. If you see one laying there, leave it.
2. Check the needles: Wrap you hand around a branch, grasp the needles and pull your hand toward you. The needles should feel resilient, not dry and brittle.
3. Get the seller to shake the tree: If too many needles shake to the ground, the tree is already drying and not a good purchase.
4. Get the seller to make a fresh cut on the bottom: A fresh cut straight across the bottom of the trunk will ensure that your new tree absorbs water well enough while on display.

1. Place tree in base that fits: Most tree trunks should fit the adjustable tree bases. Don't shave off any part of the trunk's sides to fit inside a base. The outer layer holds moisture in to keep the tree hydrated.
2. Fill the base pan with water - just plain water - no sugar; or any other additives you might use for your plants or flowers. Keep a steady level of water in the pan. If the water does run low, fill it immediately. If the water supply is allowed to run dry, tree sap may form on the base of the trunk, prevent adequate water absorption and dry the tree out quicker.
3. LIVE TREES ARE FLAMMABLE: Keep the tree away from the heat. Keep checking the tree for dryness. Don't leave lights lit all night or day.
4. Pets - especially cats - are curious: My cat used to wait til my back was turned and climb up the branches from inside the tree. She was an indoor cat - this was like going home to her.

To dispose of your tree, check with your particular geographical area for recycling or other information to dispose of your tree. NEVER burn it in the fireplace!

A live tree is definitely the way to go for me. Aside from the downside of sweeping up fallen needles when I dispose of it, a live tree has many good points - the best being the natural pine smell wafting through your home. If you choose live, enjoy!