The Ultimate Holiday Debate: Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees & More Farmhouse Revelations
Welcome to a special episode of our podcast where we delve deep into a holiday debate as old as time itself: the perennial choice between a real Christmas tree and an artificial one. This isn’t just a simple preference; it’s a discussion that touches on tradition, convenience, environmental impact, and personal memories, and we’ve found the arguments for each side are becoming increasingly nuanced every year. Which side do you think we’re leaning towards this season? Join us as we explore our own pasts with both types of trees and share insights that might surprise you.
Beyond the festive foliage, we’re thrilled to finally bring you some tangible updates on our beloved old farmhouse. The renovation journey is a long one, but progress is truly being made, and we can’t wait to share the exciting developments with you – yay! And because life, even amidst renovation, still requires nourishment, we’ve put together a full week of easy, delicious dinner recipes perfect for warming you up during the winter months. To top it all off, we’re revealing some recent cool discoveries that have genuinely improved our daily lives. Prepare for a jam-packed show with something for everyone!
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The Age-Old Question: Real Christmas Trees vs. Artificial – Which is Best?
The centerpiece of our holiday discussion, and often our homes, is the Christmas tree. Above, you can see our beautiful tree from 2018 – a majestic live Noble Fir. We chose this particular species for its exceptional ability to hold a multitude of ornaments, thanks to its incredibly stiff and strong branches. This characteristic makes it a favorite for those with heavier, more cherished ornaments, though it also tends to be one of the more expensive options in our region. The sensory experience of a real tree, with its fresh pine scent filling the home, is a tradition many families cherish, creating an unmistakable festive atmosphere that artificial trees struggle to replicate. The act of choosing a tree, bringing it home, and decorating it together is a ritual that forms lasting family memories. Speaking of memories, isn’t it wonderful to see our beloved Samson in this photo again? We’re truly missing him, but his presence in our past Christmases brings a smile to our faces.
When considering a real tree, many people weigh the environmental factors. While cutting down a tree might seem counter-intuitive to eco-consciousness, most real Christmas trees are grown on farms specifically for this purpose, much like any agricultural crop. These tree farms support local economies, provide habitats for wildlife, and, importantly, they sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow. When disposed of properly (often through local recycling programs that chip them for mulch), real trees are biodegradable and return to the earth. However, they do require watering, can drop needles, and their lifespan in your home is limited.
On the other hand, artificial trees offer unparalleled convenience. They can be set up quickly, don’t require watering, and there are no messy needles to clean up. Their upfront cost can be higher, but they are a one-time investment that can last for many years, potentially saving money and effort in the long run. Modern artificial trees come in an astonishing variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, often pre-lit, eliminating the hassle of tangled lights. From an environmental perspective, the argument for artificial trees hinges on their reusability. If an artificial tree is used for many years (estimates suggest 7-10 years or more), its environmental impact, which includes manufacturing, shipping, and the use of non-biodegradable plastics and metals, can be spread out, making it a more eco-friendly choice than buying a new real tree annually. However, once discarded, they typically end up in landfills, where they persist for centuries.
Speaking of artificial trees, this vintage tinsel tree I found on Pinterest brings back a flood of memories! It looks remarkably similar to the one we had for several years when I was growing up in California in the early 1970s. Even as a child, I remember thinking it looked a bit odd, but there’s something to be said for simply embracing the kitschy fakeness of it all, isn’t there, ha! It’s a testament to how holiday traditions and decor evolve over time. This debate isn’t just about eco-friendliness or cost; it’s also about the personal stories and feelings each type of tree evokes.
For more of our holiday decor through the years, explore these links:
- Galvanized, Green & Buffalo Plaid Simple Christmas Decor
- Pottery Barn Inspired Snowy Galvanized Christmas Decorations
- Cottage Christmas Decor Ideas
- Christmas Home Tour: Green Plaid, Metallic, & Natural
If you’re interested in hearing more about our initial foray into tree farming with the kids and other cherished holiday traditions, you can revisit Episode 15 – Christmas Traditions and Memories. It’s a journey down memory lane that perfectly complements this episode’s theme.
Exciting Farmhouse Renovation Updates: Progress & Plans
Now for some much-anticipated news from the farmhouse! This photo showcases our master bedroom, where the sheetrock is now up, truly emphasizing the grand, tall ceilings. While these soaring heights offer an incredible sense of space, they can also feel a bit overwhelming, making the room less cozy. Our design solution involves adding substantial wood beams to the ceiling. These beams will not only introduce a rustic, farmhouse charm but also visually lower the ceiling, bringing it down to a more intimate, “human level” and creating a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. The overall vision for the master bedroom is one of serene comfort, blending modern functionality with classic cottage farmhouse aesthetics. (Please excuse the photo quality – we’re deep in the midst of our typically gray, rainy Pacific Northwest season, which isn’t ideal for photography!)
Above, you can see the meticulously crafted laundry room plan that consumed so much of our time and energy. It’s not perfectly to scale, but it effectively conveys the layout and helps us visualize where all the essential fixtures will go. This space presented a significant design challenge because we are trying to maximize its utility by fitting a multitude of functions into a relatively compact area. Our ambitious goal is to incorporate a fully functional laundry area, a practical mudroom for daily transitions, a dedicated space for a freezer, ample storage solutions, and even a counter specifically designed for seed starting – a must-have for any avid gardener. Unlike our last incredibly spacious laundry-mudroom, this current space demands ingenious organization and clever design. We’re confident that with this detailed plan, we’ve managed to check all the boxes, ensuring every square inch serves a purpose and contributes to the efficiency and charm of our farmhouse.
What’s Cooking: A Week of Simple, Real Food Winter Dinners
Battling the winter chill and busy schedules means a need for comforting, yet easy-to-prepare meals. Here’s your real food Winter Menu for Busy Weeks, designed to minimize effort and maximize flavor, often utilizing smart leftover strategies:
Monday– Spicy Beef, Tomato and Corn Stew: This hearty and flavorful stew is the perfect way to kick off a chilly week. Loaded with tender beef, vibrant tomatoes, and sweet corn, it’s a warming and satisfying dish. Make a generous batch tonight, as it forms the basis for tomorrow’s meal, reducing your cooking time later in the week. Serve with warm, cheesy quesadillas for a complete meal.
Tuesday– Haystacks: Transform Monday’s delicious leftovers into a whole new experience! Simply spoon the remaining spicy beef stew over a bed of crisp tortilla chips. Then, let everyone customize their ‘haystack’ with their favorite toppings: shredded lettuce, freshly chopped onions, a generous sprinkle of grated cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and any other delicious additions you desire. It’s a fun, interactive, and incredibly easy dinner.
Wednesday– Easy Lemon-Garlic Roasted Chicken and Vegetables: A classic for a reason! This meal is wonderfully simple, yet bursting with flavor. The chicken roasts alongside your choice of seasonal vegetables (think carrots, potatoes, broccoli) in a bright lemon-garlic marinade, creating a wholesome, sheet-pan style dinner. Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the pan juices and a fresh green salad. Don’t forget to roast extra chicken – it’s crucial for Thursday’s recipe!
Thursday– Thai Inspired Turkey or Chicken Vegetable Curry: Make the most of your leftover roasted chicken from Wednesday by incorporating it into this aromatic and satisfying curry. This dish offers a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, packed with healthy vegetables and rich coconut milk. It’s incredibly adaptable; feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand. Serve it over fluffy rice for a truly comforting and exotic meal.
Friday– Greek Style Shrimp and Orzo Recipe: Lighten things up on Friday with this elegant yet easy Greek-inspired dish. Succulent shrimp are cooked with tender orzo pasta, fresh herbs, tomatoes, and a hint of lemon, creating a vibrant and flavorful meal that feels special but comes together quickly. Pair it with a crisp green salad for a perfect end to the work week.
Saturday– Burgers, fries, and cut vegetables: Embrace the weekend with a family-favorite meal that’s both fun and simple. Whether you grill, pan-fry, or bake your burgers, serve them with crispy oven fries and a colorful assortment of fresh, cut vegetables for a balanced and relaxed dinner.
Sunday– OYO (On Your Own): Sundays are for unwinding and flexibility. This is your chance to use up any remaining leftovers, enjoy a simple sandwich, or order takeout. It frees up your evening, allowing you to prepare for the week ahead without the pressure of cooking.
This is Really Cool! Our Latest Discoveries
We love sharing things that genuinely make our lives better, easier, or simply bring a smile to our faces. Here are a couple of recent “cool discoveries” we’re excited about:
Brian’s Pick: The Fiskars Titanium Shop Shears. Brian absolutely raves about these. He says they’re so incredibly sharp and versatile that he almost feels like he’s getting away with using his mom’s prized, off-limits fabric scissors, but for *anything*! These shears are a DIYer’s dream, effortlessly cutting through everything from heavy-duty cardboard, plastic packaging, and zip ties to gardening twine and even thin sheet metal. The titanium coating ensures long-lasting sharpness and durability, making them an indispensable tool in any workshop or home. They feel sturdy and comfortable in the hand, making tough cutting tasks a breeze.
Jami’s Pick: Vitamin C Glow Boost Essence with Hyaluronic Acid. As someone who’s tried various Vitamin C products in the past, Jami can confidently say this one is a game-changer. Unlike others that have caused uncomfortable tingling or even irritation, this essence goes on smoothly and absorbs beautifully without any pain. The combination of Vitamin C for brightening and hyaluronic acid for intense hydration has truly transformed her skin. She’s noticed a significant improvement in her skin’s texture and radiance, and has even received compliments on her “glow” since incorporating it into her routine. It’s a fantastic find for anyone looking to achieve healthier, more luminous skin without the harsh side effects.
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