As Christmas approaches, many have purchased and put up their Christmas trees for the holiday festivities. The question of whether to buy a real or fake Christmas tree has been the center of debate for many households for years, and viewpoints at EHS have their own benefits and drawbacks, such as convenience and aesthetic appeal.
Some students prefer artificial Christmas trees for the relatively low amount of effort required for maintenance.
“I have a fake Christmas tree, and I prefer it because it’s easy to use and set up compared to a real one,” said Johan Naveen ‘29.
They see real Christmas trees as a hassle and prefer artificial trees because of the minimal effort and lower time commitment required to use a natural one. These fake trees can also be used year after year, making them a more practical and cost-effective alternative to real Christmas trees.
“I prefer the fake one because it won’t have to be replaced after rotting and won’t make such a mess,” said Aaren Agarwal ‘29. “A fake one also comes pre-installed with lights. It is also more convenient to adjust the branches however you like on a fake one.”
On the other hand, some Edison students prefer a real tree compared to a fake Christmas tree. These supporters of real Christmas trees believe that they are the best way to fully evoke the Christmas spirit.
“I don’t have a Christmas tree, but if I were to celebrate, I’d prefer a real one,” said Ryan Li ‘26. “Having a fake tree is almost like celebrating a holiday halfway. A fake Christmas tree wouldn’t satisfy me enough for a holiday full of joy and satisfaction.”
Students also believe that real Christmas trees have a greater visual appeal. This visual appeal helps enhance the holiday experience overall.
“I currently have an artificial Christmas tree, but I want a real one next year, as it looks a lot cooler with ornaments and more naturalism,” said Aashutosh Dhakal ‘28.
The type of tree an EHS student has compared to the tree that they want in the future is not always the same. The visual appearance of a real tree carries weight that even nags at students who have artificial trees.
Still, no matter what you choose, the Christmas tree will always remain an icon of the holiday season.