We like a real tree, preferably Frasier Fir. They hardly ever drop any needles and look and smell very nice. We can cut one at a farm about a mile from my house, so it's pretty darn convenient, too.
I have asthma, plus grew up in the Air Force, so we had an artificial tree most of the time after moving away from Alaska. As soon as I was 'out on my own', right back into getting a real tree. No asthma troubles, either. This weekend we are gatting ours.
Nice clear lights, Fred! That could easily be another whole topic: clear or colored lights.
Right now my young son likes colored lights, so we do that. Otherwise, my wife and I go for clear. The ornaments alone add enough color, I feel. He'll probably be crushed when ho goes to college and comes home to see us with clear lights again!