Dec. 16, 2023
By Aiden Nguyen
Staff Writer
This article is part of an in-depth reporting project about the holiday season.
As people get together for Christmas, many of their celebrations involve a Christmas tree.
This begs the question: Are fake or real Christmas trees better?
In a survey of 74 LHS students conducted by The Lighthouse, 54% said they prefer fake Christmas trees while 35% prefer real and 11% have no preference.
Sophomore Debra Ogunbowale said in her home, the Christmas tree is a pivotal aspect of the holiday.
“It is where the gifts are found,” Ogunbowale said. “Decorating and putting the star on top has become a family tradition.”
Ogunbowale said her family decided to purchase a fake tree because it is cheaper in the long run, more durable and can be used for many years.
“Fake Christmas trees are usually made of plastic and other materials that are less environmentally friendly. Once someone is done using a real Christmas tree for the season, it is biodegradable or can be repurposed to create mulch.”
According to the informational comparison website Diffen, fake trees cost around $100, while real trees cost $49.
“I wouldn’t consider getting a real tree in the future…. You have to get rid of it once the Christmas season is over. This, to me, defeats the whole purpose of a Christmas tree,” Ogunbowale said.
Freshman Zachary Shenton said having a real Christmas tree makes him feel that the Christmas season is truly underway.
“It looks better, and the scent is like a Christmassy scent,” Shenton said.
While Shenton loves real Christmas trees, he said they still have some drawbacks.
“It’s much messier because of [the tree’s needles], and it’s just hard to move around the house and to get it in and out of the house,” Shenton said.
Environmental Science Honors teacher Ms. Manzella, who also advises the Environmental Club, said an advantage of real trees is that they are better for the environment.
“Fake Christmas trees are usually made of plastic and other materials that are less environmentally friendly. Once someone is done using a real Christmas tree for the season, it is biodegradable or can be repurposed to create mulch,” Manzella said.
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, like any other trees, real Christmas trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, so Christmas tree farms provide oxygen to the air around them.
Trees end up stabilizing the soil, protecting water supplies and providing shelter and protection to wildlife. In contrast, fake trees are usually made overseas from metal or plastic. Fake trees cannot be recycled, so they end up getting thrown in junk yards, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.
Despite the environmental impact of fake Christmas trees, Manzella said she would not rule out buying one.
“I would consider getting a smaller, fake tree in the future if I ever decide it is too much to continue to go out and get a real tree each year and decorate as much as I currently do,” Manzella said.
With both positive and negative aspects to each type of tree, this matter remains a thorny issue that comes down to personal preference.
