After some discussion on our forums here, we decided to go ahead and buy a real Christmas tree this year. Just down the road from us there was a Christmas tree farm called Robinsons Christmas trees, so we decided to check it out. They had a whole bunch of different kinds and sizes, including my favorite, the Alpine fir. Cost was $45, which is kind of expensive, but a least we were supporting the little guy. I love the sparse Charlie Brown tree look of it. I was a little anal when it came to the lights and took the time to wrap every branch (well almost every one). It took a long time, but it was worth it. Besides that, our decorations are pretty plain, a couple glass globes, and some stainless steel stars that say “peace”, “joy”, “love” etc.

Thanks everyone for the advice!

Original forum post here.