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

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We have a lovely fake one, I can't bear the thought of killing a tree just so I can decorate it in my living room, but they do smell really nice.

For the last 5 years I haven't decorated for Christmas at all. Never felt happy enough to celebrate Christmas.
This year I have a 6 month old son and I'm determined to do everything to make sure he has a fantastic Christmas, this year and every year.
I've ordered a real Christmas tree and I'm so excited to have it all decorated for him. I think he's going to love the lights and the shiny baubles. Who knows how practical it will be to have a real tree, but for me it's something I feel I need to experience at least once!

A real Christmas tree!

I love the smell of pine - it's part of our family Christmas tradition.

I love a real tree but sometimes it's just not practical so we do have an artificial one too.

I do love a real tree but it's artificial pre-lit here for practicality. I'm thinking of getting on of those slim ones once the prices get reduced in mid December as ours has lost a foot and needs propping up!

Fake tree for me

Couldn't stand the thought of cutting a live tree down just to so I could enjoy the smell of it - watching it slowly die :(

we have a fake one at the moment have done for a few years now, but i really hate it, its just not the same as a real one, you get the smell and feel of a real one and they are far sturdier

Fake - mess free = stress free :-)

We usually always have a fake Christmas tree, but we are growing our own one at the moment, so the kids have a real tree, they can watch it grow and one isn't cut down for our enjoyment

Artificial. Real look and smell amazing but just can't be putting up with even more mess! I have a husband and three boys. xx

I prefer a real one. fake ones just don't smell the same

If you have kids, fake fake fake!

Fake. There's less mess and it works out cheaper.

i have a fake tree, as much as id love real, with 2 cats and a crawling baby it would be to much hard work x

It has to be real every time. The smell is wonderful, which you don't get with a fake one.

We found a beautiful fake tree in a sale while on holiday in Devon a few years ago. It looked really odd sat on the back seat of the car in the middle of summer! I love real trees but my hubby hates the mess and the cost so this has saved both money and arguments.

As much as I'd love a real tree, the practicality of a fake tree wins year after year!

Usually have a real one, but went off them when pregnant with DS as the smell made me want to vomit Been OK since, but hate how expensive they are... have an m&s fake one that's lovely, had it a couple of years, was expensive but was worth it. I prefer the real ones as they look better but have to say am drawn to the white ones, might have to get another one [santa]

Artificial tree due to a lack of space, I have a really small tree!

Fake , easily packs away and back into the garage it goes.

fake! You dont get pine needles all over the place and i poor little trees life has been saved! lol

I love the smell of a real tree but I can't justify the expense of it each year. I have a large artificial one that is the perfect size and shape to fit in front of my window and no needles to clear up.

Fake for us i would love a real tree but too many little feet running about when there a little older will get a real one

definitely real

I love the smell of a real tree but they are so messy. A good artificial one can look as good. Ours is artificial and will be covered in decorations amassed over the past 30 odd years!!