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I've never had a live tree before but from what I've heard/seen, most people get it much closer to Christmas because it doesn't last that long. I think the big thing is the pine needles do fall off?

Also, I can't remember if your kids have a ton of allergies but my husband is pretty allergic to pine. Which is why we'll never have a real tree.

Different species of trees are more/less likely to lose needles. the shorter the needle, the less likely they are to shed (I believe). But the shorter the needle the more prickly they tend to be, so it's a personal preference thing.

I grew up with real trees. We didn't get them until the beginning of advent because we wanted them to last through epiphany. We weren't a "It's new years, take it down" kind of family.

Stand wise, it will depend on what size tree you get. You want it to be big enough to hold the trunk and hold enough water to keep it from drying out. You'll need to water it daily to keep it from becoming a fire hazard. If you go away, make sure you water it heavily before leaving and as soon as you return. And don't leave it on when you're not there.

I'm also allergic so I haven't had a real tree in many years. But I miss the feel of them and the smell.

If you go to a farm, they should be helpful in letting you know what kind of tree you want to get. And if you cut it fresh there, you won't have to cut more off the bottom when you get home. That applies more to trees bought in a tree lot where you don't know how long they've been sitting.

I would pick out a farm! The one we go to has people that will help you with anything and everything, they even do set up and delivery! They also have precut trees at the farm in case you simply want to pick one out.

We are going tomorrow! No it is not too early. I prefer to go before the crowds and ice and snow.

I love going to tree farms to get our tree each year! It's such a fun tradition. We always make cookies & hot chocolate to bring along. Tree farms usually trim them for you and cut off some of the lower branches if you want. We usually get first week of December and have no problem with them lasting. They shed yes but who cares! They smell SOOO good. My favorite are Fraser firs. Whatever you do, DONT get blue spruce. We had that last year, it was so prickly it hurt and shed five times more than any other tree I've had.

First I would figure out how tall you want it to be. Then you can probably search for bases based on that. you don't want too big or too small of a base because it won't support the tree if it's too big/too small. I haven't had a real tree in a long time, so I can't recommend a specific brand. Tree farms will probably have stands, but they might cost more than amazon. But it might be worth it to get the right kind.

When you go to a farm, usually the trees (if you want to cut your own) are sorted into lots, and they have some pre-cut available. You can talk to someone there about the different kinds and once you narrow down what kind you like, they'll tell you where those are.

Real trees are the best!

Get a metal stand - they are better. Here's the one we have:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Jack-Post-Welded-Steel-Stand-for-Real-Tree-Up-to-12-ft-Tall-7304X/206578324

Tips: Buy your tree, bring it home, saw off the bottom at your house and then bring it in to set it up. Water it CONSTANTLY the first 48 hours! It'll drink a TON those first few days home. Definitely refill morning and night. If you don't water it enough in the beginning, it will seal up and stop drinking and will die. After the first 48 hours, you should be good to just top it off every day, and can probably go a few days without watering if you have to.

We usually get ours right after Thanksgiving (or the following weekend) and it's good until a week or two after Christmas. And we like Fraser Firs.

In our parts, you can't really get a tree until the day after thanksgiving. Tree lots have always cut the bottom off for us and we bought a stand there to make sure it fit. The first couple days, they soak up water and then it kinda stagnates so you don't have to put as much water in. I love the noble pines because they have bushy branches instead of spikey. Take into account the height of the stand and if you're putting anything on top of the tree when you figure out your height. Also, take into mind if you need a skinny or thicker tree to fill your space. If it's going against a wall, you can get one that has a weird side and hide that one.

Hooray for real trees! I wouldn't get it now if you'll be gone over the holidays, and our tree farm is not open until Nov. 27th. Otherwise, this is full of good advice.

The trees people buy in parking lots are already cut now and on their way to the lots. Doesn't matter when you buy it, it's already cut, so go ahead and get one at a farm right now.

As for a stand, we've used many different kinds, but my favourites are the ones that can hold a shit ton of water.

This one is similar to my moms (we have to have artificial in our complex): http://www.amazon.com/Krinners-Christmas-Tree-Genie-Deluxe/dp/B000CCSXH8/ref=sr_1_18?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1447105478&sr=1-18&keywords=tree+stand+christmas

Hint: Pour sprite or seven up in the stand the first day, it'll help keep it fresher longer.

We have this tree stand: You put the base on outside, pop it in and then you level it using a foot pedal and swivel base. Life changing! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019C9NY2?psc=1

@irene: We have a 7-8 ft tree. There are 3 sizes so maybe they got the wrong size? I have no idea how it would fall over in this stand, honestly. Unless they didn't crank it tight enough (you crank it right with a foot pedal). Or maybe if they set it up really crooked to begin with? I don't know. It's never seemed possible and we've been using it for the past 5 or 6 Christmases.

@irene: yep it's a clear bag. It goes on thr floor with the stand in the middle. (It actually provides a second benefit. Protects your floors should a little water spill ). I bought a tree skirt from target to cover the stand which also covers the bag. I as using a tree skirt though before I even found out about the bags It's not unsightly; you wouldn't know it was there.
We typically keep our tree up almost a month. So by the end the needles are pretty dry. Once you take ornaments off and try to move the tree it's like the needles explode everywhere. Plus when you first bring it into the house It is wrapped in the netting so it's nice and narrow and easy to carry. Not so when you take it down

Also cover the roof of the car with an old towel under the tree. Sap is a pain in the butt to get off your roof. Again I learned this the hard way.

Having said all of that I'd never have anything other than a real live tree!!!

@irene: something like this. I found ours by the Christmas trees at lowes.

@irene: this is similar to our stand

http://www.homedepot.com/p/St-Nick-s-Choice-Swivel-Straight-Plastic-Tree-Stand-For-Trees-Up-to-10-ft-XTS3HD/203675239

@irene: I thought you were talking about a potted tree, not a cut one at first!

You've gotten some good advice, but I am not team real tree, lol. I have no patience, especially for the disposal process. Once you get it in, you have to deal with getting it out!

@yoursilverlining: wine bottle is what we use...I'm so glad you mentioned it as I forgot!

@irene: Could you fit it in front of that window on the right? Maybe have to move some furniture to fit it there. We always move things around to fit our tree.

@irene: I meant the huge window on the right, not the window right next to the fireplace. Although I'm sure it would be fine close to the fireplace if you don't use it that much.

@irene: I agree with @Adira: about putting it in front of the gorgeous big window on the wall perpendicular to the fireplace wall. It would look stunning there...other wise to the left of the fireplace would be nice too. Based on how much you use the fireplace should not be an issue at all - just so long as the branches are not IN the line of fire!

I would get a 7 or 8' tree personally...it would be lovely. Though you will be a ladder to decorate!

You may want to ask around about the life expectancy of a pre-cut tree in GA. I know its 8+ hours further north but when we were in Miami pre-cut trees only lived about 2 weeks because of the time to travel south and the exposure to the heat (drying them faster). You may be best with a farm in this case. You could try asking a FB mom 2 mom group?