Talk to me about pre-lit Christmas trees vs real trees

[LlamaLover]

It's the first year I'm properly doing Christmas. Horrid childhood memories of Christmas for me. Want to make it lovely for my kids. Last year I had a fake tree from Ebay that I didn't realise til too late didn't have a stand so had to improvise and had a wonky tree!

I'd like to either get a real tree or a proper decent fake one. What are pre lit ones like? Sounds low hassle - which I like! Does it get rid of hanging wires? Presumably you still need to plug it in? But what happens if a bulb goes? Can you replace one? Will they all go, or will it be all ok except with one not working?

What do I need to look for online for a good fake tree? Don't mind spending up to around £100 maybe £150. Size isn't really a problem - tall ceilings and can make room on the floor. Should I be looking for a 6 foot one?

I saw the Ikea real tree offer last year but if I recall, they weren't on sale til mod December - is that right? My son has a New Year's Day birthday so I'd like to have a christmas tree up 1st December to 26th December and then down to change house to birthday mode! Any tips for getting a real tree?

Thanks all! Feel like I haven't a clue!

I personally wouldn't have a real tree up for that long especially if it is in a warm room. A pot grown one may last long enough.

I would think if you have high ceilings you would want something well over 6 foot. It's worthwhile getting a tape out to check on the height of the ceiling just to be on the safe side.

Meant to say that I don't know anything much about prelit trees. Last time I looked they didn't have enough lights for my liking, although i think they may be better than they used to be.

I love real trees, and when I had wooden floors and no children that was what I had. However, with 3 children and carpet I now have a pre lit tree. I also have fibre optic on mine. They are hard to get over 5 foot, which looks funny with very tall ceilings.

I will see if I can find a link to a tree like mine and post it. I can't remember what I paid.

I don't think a real tree will survive until 26 December but it's been years since I had one. I have a fake one from B&Q that's 7ft I think but a narrow one. It's lovely.