Sometimes, I think "obligation" when I hear people mention their traditions. I have never been a fan of doing what I ought rather than what I want. (No one needs to take this to extremes...I pay bills, go to work, take care of my child, etc.). I just see no point in doing something just cause I did it the year before.

As for live trees? I always did that....my family did it, and I never thought to do otherwise. Now that I am on year two of a pre-lit tree....I wonder why I was so slow to catch on.