Real tree or not?

[Crumblinginside]

I have a very nice tree but at the grand age of 40 plus I've never had a real tree.
My friend said hers dried out and she was afraid of fire risk?

Are the real ones messy ?

First World problem I know

No they're great. Just get a base that you can put water in, it's like any cut plant/flower. They last ages in water and you can't beat the smell!