Real VS Fake Christmas Trees

11/27/2012 (Updated 6:53:59 PM)

(Source: Kate Thornton)

BROOME COUNTY -- Tuesday was a special day for Long Island native Pat Madej.  It was the first time ever he cut down his own Christmas tree.

"Back on Long Island, you don't really have any tree farms like this so I never really got to cut one down myself," said Madej.  "It's really cool that I get to come out here, pick one, cut one down, do the dirty work, it's pretty fun."

Finding and cutting down that perfect tannenbaum is a holiday tradition with families across the Southern Tier.

Gene Molyneaux, co-owner for Molyneaux's Tree Farm in Endicott  said for the last 65 years, Molyneaux's has been selling trees to families who keep coming back year after year.

"Now they're grandparents and they have their kids bring their kids, it's tradition to cut down their own tree," said Molyneaux.

Jennifer Desouza of Binghamton has a family tradition of cutting down their own Christmas tree every year.  "We watch Charlie Brown first, then we go out and get our tree, then we decorate it with sugar cookies and hot chocolate in the afternoon. My kids have the best time."

According to Cheryl Norris, the Live Nursery Specialist at Lowe's in Vestal said she's been seeing a growing trend of people buying live, potted trees.

"Usually people will buy a live, potted Balled Burlap tree.  They can bring it in their home for about a week," said Norris. 

Norris suggests if you go that route to purchase the tree as close to Christmas as you can.  "You'll want to keep the ball moist and in a cool area.  Then plant it outside.  So instead of wasting  a tree, it's like going green.  I've seen a lot of people doing this these days."

But for some, the convenience of an artificial tree works just as well.  They may be more expensive, but they'll last for years to come.

Julia DiTommaso and her husband from Endicott said they bought their Martha Stewart artificial tree a few years ago.  "It's gorgeous, it's really a pretty tree.  We used to have a real tree but I got tired of cleaning up after all the needles."

For live tree lovers said nothing beats the aroma of fresh pine.

"Each tree has it's own scent that you just can't get from an artificial," said Molyneaux.

Whether you prefer fresh or fake, cut it yourself or some assembly required, what matters most is what brings you and your family the most cheer this holiday season.


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