Of course when we buy an artificial tree it is an investment, we will bring the tree out again and again each year for use at Christmas time, whereas a real tree will most often serve once and then be discarded or recycled.

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Needle drop is an issue with real trees too, even non needle drop trees can make a mess on your carpets that needs to be cleaned up and tree disposal can sometimes be a little bit of a headache.

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The process of erecting a real tree in your home can take a little more effort than with an artificial Christmas tree, and once again, needles will invariably fall during the process.

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One advantage real trees did have their plastic counterparts was the scent of pine that fills the room once the tree becomes resident. There is nothing quite like that refreshing, yet comforting smell that just shouts "Christmas!"

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However, modern artificial trees even come with scent built-in, giving you everything that a real tree does but without the drawbacks.

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But just how realistic are these artificial trees?

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High quality artificial trees are so realistic that you really would have to stand very close, feel the needles and smell the tree to distinguish it from a real one, but even then it can be very hard to tell, with ever more realistic needles, pine scents and incredibly lifelike branches.

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Most artificial trees are based on either a hinge or hook principle, with the main trunk being seated in the stand, as with a real tree, and branches either folding out on hinges or being hung from it via hooks.

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Erecting an artificial tree takes a matter of minutes; even the big ones with the trunks split into several parts are quick and easy to assemble, often coming complete with colour coded instructions, making the job Christmas Tree even easier for the tree dressers.

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And if you're not too keen on tree dressing, part of that job can be avoided too, with pre-lit trees available to take the hard work out of decorating with your own lights and some trees even coming pre-prepared with a dusting of snow to give you a head start at Yuletide.

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With the options available now, whether you opt for a real tree or an artificial one is really is a matter of personal preference.

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If the process of having a real tree and preparing and decorating it yourself appeals, it's nice to have the more traditional option available and it's great to know that almost all Christmas trees are now grown and harvested sustainably.

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But for those of us who wish to make Christmas as quick and easy as possible with the minimum of mess and stress, then artificial Christmas trees are surely the way to go.