Real or Fake: Which Tree Do Avalanche Players Put Up for the Holidays?
As the snow begins to fall in Colorado and the holiday season rolls in, the players of the Colorado Avalanche, like many of us, are busy decking the halls. Between early-morning practices, road trips, and high-stakes games, Avalanche players still find time to celebrate the most festive time of the year. But when it comes to the centerpiece of holiday decor—the Christmas tree—are the Avs team members choosing the crisp scent and tradition of a real tree, or opting for the convenience and sustainability of a fake one?
While the team hasn’t released an official tree census, locker room interviews and social media sleuthing give us some insight into this holiday debate.
The Real Tree Loyalists
For some players, a real tree is non-negotiable. Defenseman Cale Makar, known for his composed and thoughtful demeanor both on and off the ice, has hinted in interviews that his family has always gone with a real tree. “There’s just something about the smell,” Makar once told a local Denver reporter. “Growing up, it was always a tradition to go out and pick one, and that’s something I’ve tried to carry on.”
Makar, who’s originally from Calgary, says it reminds him of cold Canadian winters and the joy of bringing a little piece of the outdoors inside. Sources close to the team suggest that when his schedule allows, he still goes out with friends or family to pick one from a local tree farm.
Veteran forward Andrew Cogliano is another player believed to stick with the real thing. A family man with young kids, Cogliano embraces the full holiday experience. “My daughters love the whole process,” he shared in a fan Q&A. “Picking the tree, decorating it, watering it… It becomes more than just decor—it’s a memory.”
The Fake Tree Camp
On the other end of the bench, some Avalanche players prioritize practicality over pine scent. With travel-heavy schedules and frequent back-to-back games, many players find that real trees are more hassle than they’re worth.
Captain Gabriel Landeskog, who has spent significant time sidelined due to injury, leans toward a fake tree for its simplicity and safety. “We have dogs and kids, so a fake tree just makes more sense,” he reportedly said in a holiday-themed interview with Altitude Sports. “You put it up, it looks good, no needles to clean up, and we reuse it every year.”
Goalie Alexandar Georgiev is also believed to be on Team Artificial Tree. A source close to the team’s PR staff revealed that Georgiev has a modern, pre-lit tree he sets up quickly after returning from road trips. “It’s all about minimizing stress,” the source noted. “He likes things clean and efficient.”
The Hybrid Approach
Some players seem to embrace both sides of the tree spectrum. Take Mikko Rantanen, for example. Known for his easygoing personality and love for Denver’s outdoor lifestyle, Rantanen reportedly has a small real tree in his main living room but keeps a decorative fake tree in another area of his home. One fan spotted two trees in the background of his holiday Instagram post last year—one clearly real, and the other unmistakably fake.
This hybrid approach reflects the lifestyle of many players. With long road trips that stretch into mid-December, some Avalanche players get a fake tree for convenience but add fresh wreaths or garlands to bring in the holiday scent. Others start with a fake tree early in the season and bring in a small real one closer to Christmas when the schedule lightens up.
The Influences Behind the Choice
So what ultimately influences an Avalanche player’s choice of holiday tree? A few key factors seem to be at play:
- Family Traditions – Players like Makar and Cogliano often cite childhood memories and family customs when choosing real trees.
- Logistics – For those constantly on the road, like Georgiev, a fake tree minimizes stress and cleanup.
- Pets and Kids – Safety concerns lead many to opt for artificial trees, especially in homes with young children or curious pets.
- Decorating Habits – Some players enjoy the decorating process more than the tree itself, making pre-lit fake trees a preferred option.
- Environmental Awareness – There’s growing awareness about sustainability in the league. While real trees are biodegradable, many players opt for high-quality fake trees they can reuse year after year.
A Team Divided, But United in Spirit
Whether they’re Team Real or Team Fake, one thing is clear: the Avalanche players embrace the holiday spirit. Team holiday parties, Secret Santa gift exchanges, and festive sweaters are common sights in December. While their tree choices might differ, their commitment to celebrating and relaxing during a busy NHL season brings them together.
And with a demanding season schedule and eyes on the Stanley Cup, it’s no wonder they find creative ways to balance tradition with convenience. So next time you see your favorite Avs player score a goal, just imagine them later that night—either stringing up lights on a real pine or plugging in a pre-lit wonder, eggnog in hand.
In the end, real or fake, it’s all about the joy.
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