It happens nearly every year.

We drive out into the Bucks County countryside to a farm, and hike through the fields, saw in hand, looking for the perfect Christmas tree.

We haggle with each other, each trying to convince the others that we alone have found the perfect specimen. This one's too wiggly; that one's dropping needles; this one's just perfect (until we get it home and realize that it's a lot bigger in our living room than it was in the field!)

But this year, I actually suggested switching to a, ahem, faux tree. Why? Because stringing the lights - which more accurately should be called wrapping the lights, given my approach - takes a very long time. And the needles stick my fingers.

You'd have thought I'd suggested canceling Santa's visit. My kids would have none of it. They've come to love our family tradition of hunting down the perfect live tree, much as I did when I was a kid. And I was secretly pleased.

But what about you? Do you go for real or artificial? Vote in our poll this week - and share where you get your tree in the comments.

We'll check back on Friday with the results.