Survey Settles Age-Old Debate Over Fake vs. Real Christmas Trees

A survey conducted by consumer protection resource Utilities Now has finally settled the age-old debate regarding real Christmas trees versus fake ones, and the answer might surprise you.

The study, which ranked the most festive of the 75 American cities with the highest population, found that a majority of Americans prefer fake trees to the real thing. Sixty-four percent of U.S. citizens polled admitted they would rather deal with the relatively low-hassle assembly of a fake tree every year as opposed to, you know, chopping down a real tree and bringing it into their homes. Though there’s still a large contingency of real believers, it seems the tides are turning towards artificial holiday trees.

The study also revealed some other interesting festive facts about the United States, namely its most festive city. That honor went to Cleveland, OH, which features an immense amount of holiday attractions. Atlanta, GA came in second followed by Arlington, TX, the latter of which has the highest online search volume for Christmas lights and local light displays per capita in the entire country.

Researchers further determined that Christmas trees are predictably the decoration most commonly associated with Christmas in the Southeast. But on the West Coast, stockings and gingerbread (both men and houses) are the decorations most synonymous with the season. On average 90 percent of American households put up Christmas decorations every year, with the average expenditure being $65 per family.

You can check out Utilities Now’s entire survey here.