Fake or Real?

I must share a very sad tale tonight. When I was a child we were never able to have a real Christmas tree because my mom had asthma. Having thought back over things, I'm now convinced it wasn't just about her health, but also because having a real tree requires more effort. Anyway, when I finally had a home of my own, my former husband and I decided we'd get a real tree. I went out one night while he was working and found the perfect tree. It was beautiful on the tree lot. I paid $35 dollars for it (21 years ago). We put the tree up and filled the holder with water. The tree really was pretty. And it was the healthiest tree I could have ever got. I really didn't have to pour in much water at all. It was amazing. Um.... it was amazing until 1 week before Christmas. I came downstairs one morning and found my beautiful green tree was now a not so beautiful rustish color. It was UGLY. What on earth had happened overnight? I was furious! I took all the decorations off the tree and pitched it into the back yard. I put up the artificial tree I had used for a few Christmas's and that was that. I never tried a real tree again.

Fast forward 18 years or so. I was listening to a program about how to care for live trees. I finally figured out what had gone wrong. I NEVER knew you were supposed to re-cut the stump before placing the tree in the stand... so the tree can get the water. DUH!! Makes sense. Why didn't I think of that?

Now it's mid November 2010 and before I know it, I'll be putting another Christmas tree up. Here's my dilemma. My old tree was on its last leg last year. I now have to either get another *Forever Tree* (I like that so much more than artificial tree) or get a real tree.Here's what I've come up with.

Real Tree ~
Cost: $35.00+ (depending on size and style)
Tree Stand: $20.00
Christmas Lights: $20.00

Looks like at least $75.00 for one use.

Forever Tree ~
Cost: $98.00 (7.5 foot, pre-lit, pre-hinged, stand included)I was really thinking about getting a real tree this year since it will be Em's last year living at home during Christmas. I just don't know though. I can get a lot more use out of a forever Christmas tree. And as pretty as they are now, you really can't go wrong. I suppose I'd better decided soon. Christmas will be here before I know it.