Decorating for the holidays isn't complete until you get a Christmas tree! But there's a long-standing debate that comes along each year -- which is better, a fake tree or a real one? Well, there are pros and cons to each side, and if you're not sure which way to go, check out these arguments for (and against) either one. 

Live tree

Pro: Fresh scent

Ahh, the smell of a Christmas tree! It's not something a can of air freshener can truly replicate, and it's perfect for adding some holiday cheer to your home. 

Pro: Authentic

If you're all about a genuine experience, you won't be satisfied with the cookie-cutter fake trees at the big box stores. Getting a live tree means choosing one with personality, one that speaks to you and your family, one that's just the right size and shape.

Pro: Biodegradable

Once you're finished with the tree, you can use it for firewood or take it to the dump and chuck it. It'll break down naturally versus a plastic tree that will break down over, you know, a zillion years. 

Con: Fire hazard

Putting a large flammable item in your living room means that you've added a not-insignificant fire hazard to your home. Live tree lovers will need to keep fire safety in mind and keep the tree as hydrated as possible. 

Con: Messy needles

You'll need to be vigilant about picking up needles from the floor. They may also pose a risk for small kids or pets that love to put stuff in their mouths -- the vaccuum cleaner won't get a break. 

Con: Allergy issues

There are risks to bringing the outdoors in, including molds or spores that may be living on the tree. Some people are also allergic to the sap of the trees, so be mindful when handling! 

Artificial Tree

Pro: Reusable

This is probably the most obvious one -- you can use the tree again and again instead of having to seek one out each year! Many families become very attached to their trees and use them for years or even decades. 

Pro: Cost-saving

Divide the cost of the artificial tree by the number of uses you get out of it, and it's clear that you'll be saving money in the long run, as long as you pick a dependable artificial tree. 

Pro: Customizable

Want a pink tree? A pre-flocked tree? A metallic tree? A tree with lights built in? They don't make trees like that at the farms, so if you're looking for a more creative and unique tree, an artificial one is the answer. 

Con: Dusty

Unless you take care to store it away really well, your tree will become a dust magnet -- and all of the nooks and crannies in those branches take a long time to air out. 

Con: Requires storage

If you don't have a large basement, spare room, or attic that will fit the tree for the eleven months of the year that you're not using it, a fake tree may not be the best choice. 

Con: Less genuine

If you grew up going to Christmas tree farms with your family each year, hauling out the plastic tree won't feel the same. There's something really magical about choosing a live tree of your very own that isn't comparable to pulling it out of a box.