Velvet Celebrity Digest

Fresh star stories with a cool online feel.

If that all sounds like too much work, you could choose a reusable, man-made tree. Benefits of an artificial tree include the fact that you can re-use it every year, it prevents any allergic reactions for people with sensitivity to trees, and artificial trees often come pre-lit, cutting down on some work. Setting them up is simple, you don't have to water them, and they won't drop needles as the season goes on. You can shop for them in person at your local big box, hardware, or other stores, or you can shop for them online at several retailers. 

The downsides to fake trees include the fact that most are not recyclable, as they tend to be made with PVC, which a petroleum-based material (via The Family Handyman). This means that when you eventually decide to discard your fake tree, it's likely to end up in landfill, which is not environmentally friendly. Further, while buying real trees supports local farmers, most man-made trees are created overseas. 

The most important thing, of course, is to choose a tree that is best for your own family's safety, priorities, and comfort, whether that is a real tree or a fake one. Happy holidays!