Real or fake Christmas tree? Share your opinions with Homebase for a chance to win a £300 Homebase voucher. NOW CLOSED

[AngelieMumsnet]

‘Tis the season once again. With Christmas on its way, Homebase is keen to get Mumsnetters’ views on the pros and cons of getting a real or fake tree.

Here’s what they have to say: “The Christmas tree is at the heart of everyone’s Christmas look but where do you stand on the annual dilemma - real or fake? Are you a fan of the fresh pine scent and traditional feel you only get from a real tree? Or do you go for a versatile artificial tree most years? Let us know if you go as far as ‘lights included’ or if your fake tree came already snow-tipped and adorned with berries and cones. Tell us all about your trees from over the years, whether you decide on authentic or artificial this Christmas and any tips you have on caring for real trees.”

So what do you think? Does the authentic smell of a real tree win you over? Or are smaller artificial trees better suited to your home? Do you get your family's much-loved tree out of the loft each year or is it a Christmas tradition to go together and choose one? Does real or fake really matter to you and your family?

Whatever your opinion, Homebase wants to know.

We’ll enter everyone who posts on this thread into a prize draw to win a £300 Homebase voucher.

Thanks and good luck.
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

Fake, much easier to clean up after the cats been swinging in it!

Real tree here, it really makes the house feel and smell christmassy. My ExH didn't like the faff of a real tree, so we always had a fake one, its just not the same! Last year was the first christmas apart, and the real tree was the first thing on my must have list!

Am already looking forward to buying it again this year, as well as a real wreath for the front door.... I'm also considering a small potted tree for the front porch!

I may be going a tad overboard

As much as I love the smell of a real tree, I can't stand the needles dropping and also disposal is a hassle, so I prefer a fake tree.

A dead branch from the woods. I hate fake trees, I hate killing real trees and I HATE spending money on something I'll throw out in 3 weeks. Bah Humbug!

Fake - its white and looks lovely when dressed up with decs and lights. I do have real holly though!

It's amazing how much less appealing a real tree becomes when you have to clean the needles up yourself.

We have a fake one in the lounge but we put some scent sticks on it to make it smell real, another fake one in the conservatory and a small real one on the dining room table which we re-plant and dig up and pot each christmas.

I love the idea of a real one but sadly the same old fake one appears each year!!

Artificial. Eco friendly, less mess and no one is going to have an allergic reaction to a fake tree. We had a guest years ago that had to use an eppi pen due to an allergy to fir trees after going near our tree!

we have always had an artificial tree, however this year we are going to try and get a real one. we threw our old fake one out after last christmas.

Fake every time, much cheaper in the long run, and easier to have the children to help decorate and no loose needles in the carpet

fake as the pines from real ones are hazardous with small children

Real all the way!!

I just adore a real tree - despite all the needles and constant need to hoover - HOWEVER - I have to say I am also environmentally aware and will only buy from a reputable supplier AND I recycle my trees that get used for sea defence (I live near the coast)

fake for me

We always used to have a real Christmas tree. The kids looked forward to going off with dad to chose it. Unfortunately we have been in tiny rented accommodation for the last two Christmasses so have not been able to do this. Our promise to the kids is when we get our new house we will get real trees again.

we have a fake but it has to look realistic and green

Fake, always fake.
reusable, reliable, and shouldn't cost the earth

def a real tree as they smell beautiful

We have a fake tree , years ago we did get a real one but didn't like it as much

We always have a real tree as we love the scent when you come downstairs in the morning. However, with our youngest being 1 1/2 this Christmas, I'd say we might have to go for a fake one as she'll end up trying to eat the tree needle by needle!

We have a fake one. I can't justify the expense or hassle of a real tree. I see our fake tree as an investment - it may have cost more than buying a real one initially, but will last much longer and it always looks good with minimal upkeep.

Definitely artificial. We have two cats and 2 little ones! I also don't want to be finding pine needles everywhere!

Fake-used to have real ones but got fed up of finding needles months later lol!!

We have a cheap artificial one here. I'd love a more realistic looking one but not an actual real one. Loved having a real one growing up when I didn't have to deal with the clean up!