More Americans, Myself Included, Are Opting For An Artificial Christmas Tree
I didn’t think we would ever do it. We’ve always been traditionalists in my house when it came to this. However, this year, we made the switch. We bought an artificial Christmas tree. And according to a survey from the American Christmas Tree Association, we’re far from being alone.
These days, most people don’t go out and cut down their own pine, spruce, or fir for Christmas. They head to the local tree lot and buy one. That’s what my family and I did for years. But new research shows there are fewer real Christmas trees going up in homes across the country this year.
The survey shows that 94% of consumers will be putting up at least one Christmas tree in their home this year. But the majority of them won’t be fresh, as 77% of those respondents say their tree will be an artificial one. Only 23% will be getting a real one. People say they prefer an artificial Christmas tree because it’s easy to put up and take down (65%), has a consistent appearance (65%), and is easy to maintain (49%). I get it.
The switch to artificial Christmas trees isn’t new. In fact, it has been steadily increasing for decades. Marsha Gray, the executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board, told CNN that the natural Christmas tree industry has been in a slow decline for 40 to 50 years.
So why did I finally cave and go with the fake tree? When I did look at real Christmas trees this year, I didn’t think I was getting much for the price. More than half (56%) of those surveyed say artificial trees save money long-term. Also, we have a new puppy at home and she LOVES chewing sticks. I was concerned that she would eat the tree. So far, she has left the artificial one alone.
America's 8 Favorite Christmas Traditions
8. Building a gingerbread house
Gingerbread is one of those things you only see during the holiday season. It makes a great cookie and is also a reliable building material. You can certainly make your own gingerbread house from scratch, but most people opt for the easier route with a store-bought kit. Either way, it’s a fun Christmas activity, especially if the weather is keeping you inside.
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7. Writing letters and leaving cookies for Santa Claus
If there’s something you want Santa Claus to bring for you as he makes his flight around the world on Christmas Eve, you had better let him know. Old fashioned snail mail to the North Pole is the way to do it and Operation Santa can help. It also wouldn’t hurt to leave out a snack for the big fella either!
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6. Baking Christmas cookies
If you’re going to leave some cookies out for Santa, you’d better warm up the oven. Every family I know has its favorite Christmas cookies that must be made each holiday season. It’s as important as putting a tree in the living room. In my family, we always have some classic sugar cookies, peanut butter blossoms with the Hershey kisses, and almond-y Jan Hagel cookies.
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5. Watching Christmas movies
What’s better on a cold night than getting the fireplace going and settling in on the couch with one of your favorite holiday movies? Will it be a heartwarming Hollywood classic like It’s A Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street? How about a Christmas comedy like Elf or A Christmas Story? Or maybe you’re in the mood from something schmaltzier on Lifetime. Hey, we don’t judge. Here’s a list of America’s most beloved Christmas movies to help you decide!
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4. Christmas lights and decorations
Speaking of holiday movies, Clark Griswold’s house in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is still the standard by which all displays of residential exterior illumination are measured. You can do it yourself and put Christmas lights on your house, or go see what the pros have done at places like Speedway Christmas, DSBG’s Holidays at the Garden, or McAdenville, a.k.a. Christmas Town USA. Either way, it’s always a Merry Christmas for the power company!
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3. Trimming the tree
According to a poll from YouGov.com, 39% of Americans prefer a real Christmas tree, 45% are happier with a reusable artificial Christmas tree, and the rest just aren’t sure. No matter which camp you fall into, the tree is the thing that brings Christmas into your home. Many families have ornaments that hold some special meaning and putting them on the tree in an important holiday tradition.
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2. Giving and getting presents
Christmas presents are your whole reason for living when you’re a kid, but it’s still nice to be surprised by something new under the tree or in your stocking at any age. And it can be downright hilarious if you take part in a “Secret Santa” or “White Elephant” gift exchange at work or school.
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1. Spending time with family and friends
This is what it’s all about! Whether your family is religious or not, we can all agree that Christmas is when loved ones should get together, even if it’s only once a year. And it doesn’t matter who those people are! They could be your immediate family, other relatives, friends from childhood, college roommates, or your favorite co-workers. The holiday season is a time to appreciate one another, reminisce about the past, and make new memories.
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