National Tree Company’s 7.5-foot Feel Real Downswept Douglas Fir really does give the illusion of being an actual tree—without the sticky, needly mess of the real thing.

“A Christmas tree should fit your needs and design style. As far as choosing real versus artificial, there isn’t one that’s better than the other. It really all comes down to preference.

iStock. That stereotypical tapered Christmas tree silhouette doesn’t happen all by itself. It’s the result of heavy hand labor over time. For two months beginning in July, workers head out to ...