I learned this week that only 14 percent of households purchased a “real” Christmas tree last year, while 80 percent of Americans have an artificial tree.
I can’t believe it. The vast majority of Americans have pretend trees?
It breaks my heart.
Perhaps I feel this way because I grew up in a home with real trees, and the idea of a tree in a box made from PVC and wire depresses me. These trees are probably easier to set up, don’t require watering, and are less expensive over a lifetime, but what about all that is great about a real tree?
Hunting through a Christmas tree lot, seeking the perfect specimen.
Debating the benefits of a Fraser fir over a Douglas pine over a blue spruce.
Hiking into a field of trees with a saw, looking for the perfect tree to kill and drag back to the car?
And what about the differences in trees from year to year that give them personality, character, and memorability?
What about the creativity and ingenuity required to wrestle the tree into the house, shave an inch off the bottom to make it fit, and cover up an unexpected bald spot with a clever assortment of ornaments?
Not to mention some of the unexpected delights that come with a real tree…
Last week, as Charlie’s friend entered our home, he said, “Wow! I love the way your home smells! What is that?”
It was the tree.
Years ago, we found a bird’s nest nestled in the tree branches, which was a delightful surprise.
Also, according to most environmental experts, a real Christmas tree is generally considered better for the environment than a fake tree, as growing and harvesting real trees has a lower overall carbon footprint than manufacturing and transporting artificial trees.
It’s hard to imagine that just over 10% of Americans will decorate real trees this year. I am an enormous fan of efficiency and simplicity and seek it everywhere in my life, but sometimes, the more challenging option is the better one.
