I'm with ya...real trees are the best, at least in my family.
One thing I did several years ago is take a 5 gallon bucket, paint or drywall, cut the ribs off the top.
Trim the trunk of the tree to a V and cut enough branches off the bottom so when the tree is placed in the bucket, they are just above the edge. Place the tree in the bucket nearly centered.
With a family member steading the tree, get a piece of 2" PVC and a funnel and dump the sand into the bucket. Tap the side to pack the sand around the trunk, not hard, just gentle taps. Leave an inch of so space from the top of the sand to the upper rim of the bucket.
With the same PVC pipe, start pouring water into the sand, it'll sit there and burp and gurgle, maybe a couple of gallons of water will fit. The sand makes a fantastic base, and the couple of gallons of water keep the tree well hydrated.
When the sand settles in around the tree, it really grabs ahold and provides a solid base. To remove the tree, just start moving it in circles, and the sand will eventually let go, and you can lift the tree out easily. Store the sand in the bucket for the next year.
Merry Christmas! Be safe.