I was at a Ukrainian friend's home around Christmas several years ago. Her whole family was sitting around the Christmas tree - which had real candles burning (they were in small holders that attached to the branches). At one point a branch started smoldering - so they just snapped it off.. Don't think it's such a good idea..
COLLUSION, COLLUSION expect to be doxxed by little schiffy.
Years ago I was at the home of a Hungarian friend who had real candles on the tree. It was lovely, but not something I would do. I had visions of a flaming tree the entire time.