We used to have real trees every year, put them up on Dec. 2, my birthday. Last year, with 3 kids and the pain that it is to go out and find one and never getting one I really like, we went out and bought a fake, pre-lit one. The BEST thing we ever did. I mean I love the smell of the real ones, but it takes about 2 minutes to get it together and put up straight up in the stand and there's no watering and no mess. Plus, not having to but those dang lights on is great. I grew up with a fake tree so I don't really feel like I'm missing anything either.