Our list may inspire you to try out something different this year. Instead of a traditional tree, you might go for a book tree, a Lego tree, or even a tree made entirely out of plushies (if you have that many, of course!) But if you're going the traditional route, you still may face a dilemma: real or plastic tree?

That's the age-old question, isn't it? This year, the majority of Americans (46%) will have an artificial tree in their homes, according to Statista. Only 26% of consumers say their tree will be a live one. Some 30 years ago, most of us believed that a real tree is way better for the environment and that plastic trees are the devil. But is that really true?

Whether a plastic or a real tree is better for the environment depends on how we use and dispose of it. Artificial trees leave less of a carbon footprint than natural trees that get composted or incinerated. If you do, however, replanting or chipping it and using the tree after the holidays for your own landscaping purposes is a more environmentally friendly solution.

But plastic trees also can be a sustainable choice. A 2018 study showed that if we use our plastic trees for at least five years, they may have less environmental impact. Another 2009 study claimed that you'd need to keep your artificial Christmas tree for 20 or more years for it to have less environmental impact than a natural tree

A lot of things come into play when considering which Christmas tree to choose. "The impact of both types of trees varies based on how far consumers travel to get their tree, how they dispose of their tree (for live trees, landfill, incinerate or compost), and how long consumers use their trees," the researchers of the 2018 study concluded.

So, if you're going for a live tree, be sure to buy it locally. That way, you're not contributing to extra emissions with your gas-guzzling car and supporting the local economy. And be sure to get rid of it responsibly: replant, compost, or use it for mulch. Incinerating it will just release the carbon back into the atmosphere.

If you're worried that there are already too many trees being cut down and don't want to contribute to deforestation, don't feel bad. Bill Ulfelder, executive director of the Nature Conservancy in New York with a Master's degree in forestry, told The Washington Post that it's the contrary. "Trees are a renewable resource. When they’re being cut, they’re being harvested in ways that they’re being replanted, so it’s a great renewable resource that provides lots of environmental, conservation and nature benefits."

However, be sure not to leave your live Christmas tree inside for too long. Experts say that trees can get used to the warm indoor climate and then might not survive outside after Christmas. If you're planning to replant your tree, don't leave it indoors for more than 12 days or two weeks max. For perhaps the most sustainable option, some suggest renting a Christmas tree from a local farm.

The Christmas tree itself isn't the only aspect of Christmas where you can get more eco-friendly. Think about the tree decorations as well; plastic tinsel and baubles are practical and pretty, but they contain a lot of plastic and might not be too good for our planet. Using the same decorations for many years or buying them second-hand is a good option, but many beautiful decorations can be found in nature.

Dried orange slices and cranberries can bring a lot of natural color to your tree. You can also use pinecones as ornaments on your tree, and even spice them up with things like ribbons or buttons. If you're a DIY and baking enthusiast, you can make your own ornaments from salt dough. You'll just need some cookie cutters and some dyes or paint.

You can buy new ornaments as well even if you want to be as friendly to the planet as possible this Christmas. Just look for decorations made from wood, bamboo, cork, recycled or upcycled paper, wool, felt, and polyester. You can even hang some old or unused Christmas cards as decorations; they can be pretty and have sentimental value as well!

I don't know about you, Pandas, but this list seriously got me into the Christmas spirit! I suddenly have the urge to upgrade the Christmas tree in my living room. However, if this list wasn't enough for you and you'd like to see more ideas for creative Christmas trees, head over here and here!