Real or artificial Christmas tree?

Well, I wish it looked like this where I lived. But, no such luck. We are in a drought! I have accepted the fact that we will NOT have a white Christmas. Sigh.

It's that time of year when people are putting up Christmas Trees. So - the age old battle starts.....is it better to have a real or artificial Christmas tree?

Everyone is different - so it depends on if you are allergic to trees. (Yes....many of us are allergic to various trees, flowers, bushes, grass, etc. ) I saw an interview with Dr. Michael Borts, from St. Louis, who specializes in asthma, allergies and sinus care.

He said some people may have problems with a real Christmas tree because the tree may have pollen and molds on the branches. Once you bring the tree inside your house, it may cause problems for anyone with allergies and asthma. 

However, with an artificial tree, if it's stored in the attic or basement, it might be dusty or have mold (if your basement is damp). And if you are allergic to mold or dust, you may have allergy and asthma problems.

In his video interview, he suggests several things to do, either for a real or artificial tree. 

Our teenagers are allergic to Christmas trees (how sad!!) So, we have had an artificial tree for years. I miss the smell of a fresh Christmas tree. But, it's not worth the running nose, sneezing, and asthma attacks. And for us - it would last the entire time the tree was in the house.

So, we just put up our artificial tree every year. Besides - we tell ourselves that we are also saving the environment by using the same tree over and over again every year.

For some reason, it's just not the same as having a real Christmas tree. Oh well. :(