~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Real or artificial Christmas tree? I think there are arguments for both. I purchased an artificial one 7 or 8 years ago. I live in a small apartment and needed a tall, skinny tree. I could never find one in the Christmas tree lot. Here are the things I miss about not having a real tree: * Shopping for the tree. I love Christmas tree lots. A friend I grew up with sells trees every year and I miss being a part of that community...supporting a local cause, running into people you know, seeing the joy on children's faces, even the cold fingers and toes, even lugging it off the car and into the house. Here are the things I don't miss about having a real tree: The expense...it costs about $75.00 every year! The search for a tree that isn't very full. I like a skinny tree that has space between branches. The clean up. I am not clear on which type is better for the environment...or the overall good. Real trees must put a stress on the land but they also suppor