We've only ever had a real one and wouldn't consider anything else - but we are lucky to live in the country so it's easy. That being the case it's far too early to put one up - we get ours at the last market (small local town) before Xmas and decorate it a couple of days before - and then it's something to make you feel all Christmassy - and as it's an actual tree it then lasts for the whole 12 day festival - since when did Christmas start on Dec 1st?!! I would be bored with it by Jan 5th that's for sure!!!
Like Taz suggests we always get the non-drop type now so even easier - and usually one that's a bit imperfect that is sold off a bit cheaper - I think they cost less in a rural area too.... I also bring in lots of greenery from outside - holly, ivy, mistletoe (we have this on one of our apple trees
) and cypress from our neighbour - which I put in pots around the house, drape the dressers and shelves in ivy, stick holly springs over the pictures - basically there is greenery everywhere - but not until the week before
. We're going away for a week over Xmas this year so not sure about a tree - don't want to come back to nothing though as we are coming back on the 3rd day of Christmas so still nine more to go... anyway - whatever you like to do and what works is the main thing. We all have our own traditions
Hurdity x