When December comes around, you can feel Christmas getting closer. Shops put up decorations, lights start showing up in windows, and people talk about what presents they’re buying. But for a lot of families, there’s something else that really kicks off the season—getting the Christmas tree.
Now, some people have fake trees they use every year. And that’s totally fine. But there’s something different about a real tree. The smell, the look, the whole experience of going out to find one—it’s a big deal for a reason.
It’s Not Just About the Tree
Getting a real Christmas tree isn’t just about the actual tree. It’s everything that goes along with it. For some families, it’s a tradition. They go together every year, sometimes with friends, to find the perfect one. They might get hot chocolate after or take pictures in the snow. It becomes a whole day that people look forward to.
Most people who get real trees go to a Christmas tree farm where they can walk around and see all the options. Some farms even let you cut down your own tree. It’s way more fun than pulling a plastic one out of the attic.
The Smell Is Something You Can’t Fake
One thing people always say about real Christmas trees is the smell. It’s fresh, kind of piney, and totally feels like Christmas. No matter how many pine-scented sprays or candles you try, it’s just not the same.
The smell hits you the second you walk into the room. It mixes with cookies baking or whatever else is going on during the holidays. It makes the whole house feel warm and festive without even trying.
Every Tree Looks a Little Different
With fake trees, every branch is perfectly placed and every one looks the same as the year before. Real trees aren’t like that. Some are super full, some are tall and skinny, some have little quirks. That’s part of what makes them cool.
People like to find a tree that feels right for their space. Some go for huge ones that reach the ceiling, and others like small ones they can decorate with just a few lights. No matter what, every tree is a little unique. And decorating a real one feels a bit more exciting because it’s different each time.
Taking Care of a Real Tree Isn’t That Hard
Some people say real trees are too much work, but they’re actually pretty easy to take care of. You just need to keep the stand filled with water and make sure it’s not too close to heaters or anything hot. That’s really it.
If you pick a healthy tree and keep it watered, it should last the whole holiday season without drying out or dropping too many needles. A lot of people are surprised by how simple it is once they try it.
It’s Good for the Environment Too
One thing not everyone knows is that real Christmas trees are grown to be used—kind of like a crop. Farms plant new trees every time one is cut down. And while they’re growing, those trees help clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide.
At the end of the season, real trees can be recycled or composted. That’s better for the environment than throwing away an old plastic tree after a few years. It’s one of the rare holiday traditions that actually helps farms and the planet at the same time.
Real Trees Feel More Special
When you bring a real tree home, it becomes part of your holiday space. Some families decorate it with old ornaments they’ve had for years. Others pick a new theme every time. But either way, it’s about more than just how it looks—it’s about the feeling.
There’s something about putting lights on a real tree, knowing you picked it out together, that just feels more real. It’s part of the build-up to Christmas, and when the presents finally go underneath it, the whole room feels complete.
Why People Keep Coming Back to It
Even with all the new gadgets, decorations, and fancy lights you can buy now, going out to get a real tree is one tradition that hasn’t faded away. In fact, it’s still growing. More people are realizing that the simple things—like a walk through rows of trees on a cold day—are what make the holidays memorable.
It’s not about being fancy or perfect. It’s about doing something that makes people happy. For a lot of families, a real tree is part of that.
What to Remember
Getting a real Christmas tree is more than just picking something to put lights on. It’s about the tradition, the smell, the fun of the search, and how it makes a space feel during the holidays. For some, it’s a once-a-year adventure that brings everyone together. For others, it’s a way to bring the outdoors in and make the season feel a little more alive.
So even if fake trees are easier to store, there’s a reason real trees still matter to so many people. They’re not just decorations—they’re part of the memory.