Since purchasing a real tree is helping a cottage industry, & the Boy Scouts chip them afterwards for mulch, which gives them a couple of dollars, I happily contradict your claim that having a real tree equals 'stomping around with a large carbon footprint.'  

On the subject of snide remarks, my tip is don't rely on spell-check.

I love the traditional tree, but if you're worried about the planet, you could alway buy a small tree with the root ball still attached and plant it in the spring. Or you could always rent a tree: metronews.ca/toronto/local/article/387734--need-a-tree-rent-one

Anne, thanks for the gentle edit. Fixed.  

I'm feeling the modern x-mas tree - simple, elegant, interesting and chic!

I'm not so much into Christmas at all but I have to admit to having a blow up tree for an ex boyfriend years ago... I love the eco plywood tree above but what is eco plywood? It always break my heart to see all those trees being cut each year for a few weeks... bla bla bla you'll tell me, there being recycle... but it still bothers me.

I love nothing better than a beautiful old school green ol' pine tree planted in the middle of my living room, decorated with a wide assortment of jingly, shiny, festive decoration, but at the end of the day, it's always a pain to clean up, and i always have that guilt hanging around long after it;s gone, that this little sapling may have been cut down in it tracks before it's time...  so i'll never saty no to any alternatives that may be on offer, especially if it looks cool!

Here in Italy they bring in trees from the northern countries...but the trick is they lop off only the tip of the tree, leaving the tree in tact. A little pruning doesn't hurt any tree.

I go for the real tree! Most Christmas trees come from farms that grow and harvest the trees especially for this purpose. It is a crop that is planted specifically to be harvested in this way. So you are not cutting down trees from a forest. As the trees grow they produce oxygen and help eliminate carbon dioxide from the air. This is in contrast to their artificial counterparts which are produced in a factory. Most communities have Christmas tree mulching programmes so that the waste ends up as something useful, unlike plastic trees which will end up forever in a landfill someday! I choose to support our sustainable forest industry while reducing my "carbon footprint" by choosing a healthy, natural product for my home.

It wouldn't be Christmas without sweeping pine needles off the floor everyday if you ask me! Modern ornaments on the other hand...very chic.

Ah, the debate of real vs fake trees.  

Most would agree that real trees are the better choice against the plastic fantasics, which are made from petroleum derived plastics (most also contain lead).  During manufacturing of these trees, carcinogens are released polluting neighbouring homes surrounding the factory sites (the popular made in China), including the dreaded carcinogen, dioxin.

The main problem with real trees is the amount of pesticides (petroleum product) used in "most" tree farms eventually enters our watersheds.  Along with that, often prime eco-habitat and agricultural land is lost.

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, stick with the same Christmas theme each year and build on it slowly.  Changing colors schemes to fit the trends of the season only promotes more waste.  If you really want a change, whenever possible, make homemade decorations, use locally crafted products, source out eco-friendly and fair trade products.

Consider that also when shopping for gifts and your footprint will reduce more rapidly then "real vs fake".

I stick with traditional, it is never out of date! <3

I wont lie and say the thought of having a real Christmas Tree doesn't tempt me.   Every year I think about getting one at my neighbourhood market, or Ikea. I think they sell them for 20 bones.  But I never have. I just enjoy other peoples without judgement.  I have always wondered where the veal of holiday decor comes from though.  I would have to agree with Trancis and say that it is a bit of a sad waste, alongside Wrapping Paper. (the ultimate in Sin)  Why is it in Canada there aren't more options for recycled wrapping paper.  You literally put it on something, to tear it off and throw it out 5 seconds later.   Anne, take a chill pill. Its the holidays, and this is a forum for discussion, not No Mans Land.

Who knew Christmas trees were such a hot topic! While I consider my tastes to run towards modern, and I do love that plywood tree, I am a real tree traditionalist through and through. Nothing can replace that fresh pine smell and the whole ritual of choosing the tree, making hot chocolate and decorating next to a roaring fire (or in my house, the fireplace channel).

Plus, I have to agree with Rajawa, that production of plastic trees is absolutley detrimental to the earth. At least a real tree gives something back while it's growing, keeps a tree farmer in business and decomposes back into the earth when you are finished with it.