Which is more ecological - an artificial or real Christmas tree? If the tree is rooted, in a pot, and keeps going back outside and in again next Christmas (re-potted as necessary) that's your best bet, but not everyone has a suitable garden (or gardening skills) for that. If you already have an artificial tree, it's best to keep using it - for at least 10 years. If you choose a cut tree, make sure it is Grown-in-Britain certified to reduce the carbon involved in transport and recycle it after use in the correct area of the refuse and household waste facility (AKA the tip). If you have large houseplants, they can look amazing with a few small decorations and even lights (appropriate ones). You don't always need a Christmas Tree for a room to be amazingly Christmassy!

Another thought is if you are lucky enough to have a fir tree outside, why not make that your Christmas Tree. Think of the time saved in picking up shed pine needles and wouldn't you be sharing your Christmas joy more widely? Indeed, you could even (as we do in Shaw Mills) think about a communal Christmas Tree, where everyone donates a few baubles and it brightens the whole village.