Studies have shown that for several years now, consumers have opted to buy artificial Christmas trees instead of real Christmas trees. While the numbers are still in favor of natural Christmas trees over artificial trees (last year an estimated 28 million natural Christmas trees were sold opposite the 12 million artificial trees), statistics show that the number of natural Christmas trees being sold each year becomes smaller and smaller. In 2010, it is estimated that the number of purchases for artificial Christmas trees grew by 1 million.

This year, in a 3-country poll conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion, it was found that of the adults polled in the US, Canada, and the UK in December 2010 “three-in-five Britons (62%) prefer an artificial Christmas tree while 58 per cent of Canadians and 53 per cent of Americans share this sentiment”. Following this, 16% of Canadians and Americans, and 14% of Britons will be opting for real Christmas trees this year. Others won’t be purchasing or displaying a tree at all.

In the New York Times, consumers indicated that the main reason why they preferred artificial trees over natural Christmas trees is the convenience and useful features of artificial trees, such as easy storage, and abundant options such as pre lit Christmas trees. In the 3-country poll, the majority of those who chose to buy natural Christmas trees did so because of tradition.

A major factor in deciding which Christmas tree to buy was their beliefs as to which were trees are the more environmentally-friendly choice. In Canada, 37% believed real trees to be the more environment-friendly choice. This was also true for 24% of Britons and 25% of Americans. On the other hand, 39% in Canada, and 33% both in the UK and in the US believe that artificial trees are the greener choice.

According to the same poll, the choice that consumers make with their Christmas tree purchases may be linked to their political preferences. In the US, 20% of Republicans opted for natural Christmas trees while only 15% of Democrats chose the same route.

Whichever Christmas trees are chosen, with only a small percentage choosing not to buy or display Christmas trees in their homes, the presence of a beautifully decorated evergreen in the home during the holidays is a tradition that many cannot do without.