Whether you choose a living tree or an artificial one, safety should be your top consideration.
Freshness is the key to selecting a living tree.
A fresh tree is moist and not as flammable as a dry tree. The best way to get a fresh tree is to cut it yourself. Only a few needles should fall and the trunk should be sticky with sap. Grab a branch near the base and pull on it slowly to check for loose needles. Bend a few needles in half between your fingers.