Pallet tree is the way to go!
Real one here - up until this year we had one with roots in an enormous barrel thingy which was dragged in each year, but it got too big so have planted it in the garden (where it is getting even bigger!). As we are hopefully moving this year, have ordered a cut Nordmann from the school. Will 'plant' it in a tub of old compost (I saved the stuff the tomatoes were growing in) so I can water it, so hopefully we won't have needle drop (until the cat decides to climb it and has to be forcibly ejected).
Faux Fir here.
I remember occasionally having a real tree as a child, and loved the scent.
But, am too lazy (and cheap) to bother with a real tree nowadays. Our fakey is qitue good quality and will last for many years to come.