I grew up with a real tree. I didn't know there way any other type until I got married. Then it was sometimes real, sometimes artificial. The artificial trees weren't fantastic in the 80s... lol. I prefer a real tree, but dh convinced me to get an artificial tree by telling me I could have whichever one I wanted. I did some research and bought one from
Balsam Hill. Since the boys are all grown and I've become disabled, a 6 foot tree seemed big enough - so I use that every year now. I do buy a live wreath, which still gives the fragrance of a tree. Win-Win.