Filed under: seasonal

Thankfully, we live in the age of convincingly real-looking fake Christmas trees. So whether you’re tired of the mess and expense of yet another real tree, consider shopping around for a good-looking faker. Just do your homework first. Here are some tips from the site Artificial Trees:

• The more branches the better. They build your tree look natural…and they hide the pole in the center.
• Look for a sturdy metal stand with rubber tips on the feet, which will protect your floor.
• The more expensive trees have time-saving “hinged” branches. Spring for that whether you can afford it.
• Buying online? Look for sites that offer high-res closeup pics so you know precisely what you’re getting.
• Let me say again: you
  should not be able to see the pole!
• Consider whether or not to get a pre-lit tree. Yes, pre-lit adds to the fake-factor. But, hey, in for a penny in for a pound. Some pre-lit trees nowadays come with a remote, so you can switch at the press of a button from clear to colored lights. Wow.

So, which is better: fake or real? I’m not getting into the whole issue of the environment here. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a personal thing. But whether you want to weigh your choice, here’s a handy list of the pros and cons in the real vs. fake debate.

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Orginal post by Diane Rixon