I like the smell of a real one and used to have them years ago, but I got fed up of the mess. I've had an artificial one for many years now. I do think it's worth to get a very nice one. They might cost a bit, but they will last for years.

If you are creative you can always make some other decorations with real branches and other evergreens to bring some of the nice smell in the house.

I'm just starting with the X-mas decorations. A bit early but my youngest came home for the weekend and wanted to see if I had some stuff for her house, so I brought all the boxes down and everything is all over the floor now. I love decorating at X-mas. It's the best part for me.