When I was growing up we always had a real tree. Now that I’ve got my own family we use a artificial pre lit tree. In 18 years tho I have went thru 3 trees. I have always had problems with the pre lit trees. Every one that I have had didnt light up all the way. There were always burned out bulbs or I never dreamed I’d grow up to be a perfect freakin husband shirt that didnt light up. The last tree I had only the top and bottom part lit up. I have never stored my trees in a box either I just wrapped or draped plastic over them. Its aggravating to say the least.