Lots of research shows a real vs. fake tree ends up being close to a wash — environmentally speaking. My family loves a real Christmas tree. So do I? What’s not to like?

The smell conjures decades of memories. Finding needles in the corner of the living room in August is always a hoot and great reminder of seasons to come.  But I’ve been decorating a fake tree for the last couple of years because I’d like to make sure I leave my grandchildren with the best possible environment, and with the drought this year, the fake tree may win by a small footprint this year, according to many legit surveys.

Cutting down trees makes me sad. Harvesting them for a holiday also sort of bums me out. There’s a lot about me that isn’t natural anymore, but I’m still an advocate for protecting the environment — what Mother Nature offers up to us — as much as possible. I’m afraid that if we choose nature when we don’t have to, collectively we aren’t doing our earth any favors.

I wonder why we celebrate Christmas with a tree to begin with?