Hmm, it may not be that your mom doesn't like busy trees so much as the fact that in Idaho in the 50s and 60s the trees came from the mountains.  They were tall enough, but they were wild and unkempt with plenty of holes for ornaments.  We even went to the forest one year when they opened it for tree hunting.  The snow was so deep we couldn't tell what we were getting.  Maybe this is all just nostalgia for the trees of your mother's youth! Here in Kentucky the traditional wild cedar trees that shed like mad are favored by some.  Jack and I favor Douglas fir, but none are to be had.  California had it's favored tree when we were there, a variety I can't remember the name of.  Now of course in this section of the country Fraser firs are the top tree. Hope you enjoy your tree this year no matter how tall, how thin or how skimpy.