Oh Christmas Tree
We do not have a Christmas tree and we can't find one. We threw ours out last year because it came in about 80 pieces, (seriously) it was not pre-lit and most importantly, the branches continued to come off. So, after seven years, we retired it. It was a cheap tree anyway. So, this year, we have the task of buying one. It sucks because A. We can't really afford a Christmas tree less than a month before Christmas (idiots!) and B. Every tree I like is $500.
What the hell is this tree? They are called upside down trees and they are irritating the CRAP OUT OF ME. We saw them for the first time tonight at American Sales and they had many on display. They're appealing to people because they save space, but I actually get dizzy when I look at them, I feel off balance and I hate it. Have any of you seen these anywhere? Do you like them? Do you have one? I hate them.
Tonight, at 7pm, we packed the chickens up and we headed out to find a Christmas tree. Supposedly, we are going to have a blizzard tomorrow, so I thought it would be fun to have a tree. We went to Menard's, American Sales, CostCo, Lowe's, K-Mart and Old Time Pottery. And we came home with some shelves for our basement. I'm feeling a little defeated and discouraged. So, let me ask you this, if you have a real tree in your house...why? Growing up, we always had artificial trees, it's all I know. I've only heard negative things about a real tree--like the needles constantly fall off and apparently you have to water it. (oh and you continue to find needles until July--is this true?!?!) I understand they smell good, but so do candles. I know some people have real trees because it's traditional. We have neighbors that go out and cut their own tree down every year. It's their tradition. I'm pretty sure they do it just so they can say it's their tradition, but whatever. Are there other benefits to a real tree? I want to try it, I really do, I LOVE the price and the idea of a real tree, but is it really worth it? Please help me!
Signed,
Treeless and freezing my ass off in Indiana
What the hell is this tree? They are called upside down trees and they are irritating the CRAP OUT OF ME. We saw them for the first time tonight at American Sales and they had many on display. They're appealing to people because they save space, but I actually get dizzy when I look at them, I feel off balance and I hate it. Have any of you seen these anywhere? Do you like them? Do you have one? I hate them. Tonight, at 7pm, we packed the chickens up and we headed out to find a Christmas tree. Supposedly, we are going to have a blizzard tomorrow, so I thought it would be fun to have a tree. We went to Menard's, American Sales, CostCo, Lowe's, K-Mart and Old Time Pottery. And we came home with some shelves for our basement. I'm feeling a little defeated and discouraged. So, let me ask you this, if you have a real tree in your house...why? Growing up, we always had artificial trees, it's all I know. I've only heard negative things about a real tree--like the needles constantly fall off and apparently you have to water it. (oh and you continue to find needles until July--is this true?!?!) I understand they smell good, but so do candles. I know some people have real trees because it's traditional. We have neighbors that go out and cut their own tree down every year. It's their tradition. I'm pretty sure they do it just so they can say it's their tradition, but whatever. Are there other benefits to a real tree? I want to try it, I really do, I LOVE the price and the idea of a real tree, but is it really worth it? Please help me!
Signed,
Treeless and freezing my ass off in Indiana
posted by Beth @ 11/30/2006 10:32:00 PM
11 Comments:
At 11/30/2006 10:58:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
hey beth, i have to say that i am a fan of the artificial tree. real trees are nice, but they suck if you have pets (they like to climb the tree -- something to do with the nice smell), the needles are a pain in the ass to clean up (everyday)and if anyone in your house is prone to allergies, buy a lot of kleenex. as for your comments re: the upside down disaster, i am in total agreement. bugs the crap out of me too. loved your entry ... made me laugh. thanks. : )
At 11/30/2006 11:43:00 PM,
amy f. said…
I have heard of that upside down tree, but I have not seen one in person yet...I think it would make me feel like I was walking on the ceiling (in some backward movie), or something! Freaky!
I can't believe you guys couldn't find a tree to your liking and within your budget after visiting all of those stores. I am all about an artificial tree, also. A real tree just sounds like a pain to maintain to me...probably because I didn't grow up with that "tradition" myself. $500 for an artifical tree??? Wow...I can't believe there aren't decent ones out there for $100. Good luck in your search. Hope you guys don't get hit too hard with snow tomorrow, although could be fun :-)
At 12/01/2006 05:33:00 AM,
Elisa said…
I'm allergic to the real trees.
I like fake trees!!! Quit being so picky and get a fake one w/the lights on it at Lowes or something.
I bet we get your nasty weather next.
At 12/01/2006 07:01:00 AM,
Anonymous said…
Buy a real one for now and get one on sale after Christmas.
At 12/01/2006 08:20:00 AM,
Anonymous said…
We have always had real trees - both our families growing up always went out and cut down our own trees from tree farms in Rhode Island, and Rich and I continued to do so as adults. Sure they are a pain in the ass - but no, you don't find pine needles in July and our animals have never had problems with it (both growing up and now our own as adults). You can't compare the smell of fresh pine filling your house to a candle, honestly (not saying that the smell is worth all the aggravation, just that you can't compare the two, lol)
However, we will be switching over to an artificial tree for 2 reasons - one, real trees are ridiculously priced here in Texas, and two, the environmentalist in me is starting to have a problem with all those murdered trees.
BUT, like Carolyn suggested, I can't afford the prices that the trees are right now (and of course I want a 300-400 dollar tree) so I'm going to get a real one this year and then buy one at a slashed price after Christmas for next year.
Honestly, real trees are awesome. It makes me sad to think of having an artificial tree (when you have always had a real tree, artificial trees seem so cheesy and faux, no matter how expensive/beautiful) but I think it is the right choice at this point.
At 12/01/2006 09:08:00 AM,
Lynette3boys said…
I grew up always having a real tree. There are so many different varieties to choose from such as short needle, soft needle, etc. to be generic about it. I personally have switched to artificial trees just mainly for convenience - no watering, no needles, not getting pricks when you try to put the lights on, no hidden animal nest surprises (yes, this has happened to us before when we brought home a real tree!). Not to mention the savings in the long run. We will be buying a new tree at the end of the season because our tree we have now is 6 years old, is not a pre-light, and a piece broke off the bottom so it is a little off balance.
That upside down tree is one of the stupidest ideas I have ever seen. It looks like a tornado that swept over the Griswold’s house. Not diggin' that at all. If someone is looking to save space, buy a smaller tree and put in on a table. Geesh!
At 12/01/2006 02:48:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
The upside down tree looks sacreligious to me, and REALLY throws off my equilibrium. DUMB, IMO.
We had a real tree once--we found needles in the trunk of the NEON for years afterward (but remember, a)the tree had no business in the NEON and b)I hate cleaning). In general, I didn't find it gratifying enough to do it again.
So we have a cheap tree from Meijer. Wish it was prelit, but it's not and we deal. Once the ornaments are up, you hardly see the actual tree anyway!
Good luck in your hunt---I know your tree is out there! Getting it home during the winter smackdown is another story though!!!
At 12/01/2006 11:19:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
We always have a real tree that we cut fresh. To counter Tracey's tree murdering feelings, people plant those trees in farms just to be cut, so the way I look at it it's not murder. That's their intended purpose. Make sense?
I know several people that bought the pre-lit artificials only to have half the lights work the next year. Serveral people. I would re-think the whole prelit thing and just buy a regular artificial tree after the holidays on sale. Buck it up this year and try out a real tree. As long as you keep it watered (which takes all of 30 seconds a day) the shedding isn't too bad. That is until you undecorate and drag it through the front/back door. Then it's a mess.
Good luck ;)
At 12/03/2006 12:28:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
I realize you already have your tree. But I thought I should answer. I love real trees. It not Christmas without one. We go every year and get a tree from Chris's grandfather's tree farm. I never had fake growing up.
You should not have issues with needles as long as they are water, not kept near a heat source.
One year we got a tree dud from the tree farm.. was needle less before Christmas (we got a second tree in time for Christmas) this has never happened before and since.. just a dud. I love real. Some people prefer fake.. I have no issue with that. but real is just so good. and cheap.. (we only pay 20 dollars a year for a fresh tree)
At 12/07/2006 06:01:00 PM,
mommy3 said…
We've alternated between real and fake the last few years. I love the memories of going out and picking a tree with the kids, but I also like the convenience of an artificial tree. And, it depends on where we spend the holidays.
We finally decided to invest in a really nice, big artificial tree this year, but when we went to the place that had the best quality and pricing, they were sold out... on Thanksgiving weekend. That kind of put a damper on my holiday (decorating) spirit. :P
At 12/07/2006 06:04:00 PM,
mommy3 said…
Oh, I forgot... while those upside down trees sound like a good idea, they DO NOT LOOK RIGHT!!! As "minor" as the shape may be, I don't think I could get accustomed to it being inverted.
Post a Comment
<< Home