If your children like Christmas, that is a good enough reason to do it. And no, you don't have to start out with a whopper. A simple Christmas tree, perhaps a 5 1/2 foot artificial one, will do nicely at first--I wouldn't spend a whole lot of money on the first one if you aren't really sure you want to do it. At first, putting up a string or 2 of mini lights, a couple dozen ornaments, a simple star or bow topper, and a couple of runs of garland will be just fine. This will not be that much hassle to take down when the time comes, and might just inspire others in the family to want to add to it. If you want less work at the end, keep it simple.
Now, at a later time you might just decide that it isn't that difficult after all. Those who are pro-Christmas might actually enjoy helping put up and take down the decorations in time. And you might well find it worth it yourself. That's why I don't advise spending a whole lot of money on a first tree if you are in doubt--you will probably want to upgrade it if you decide it's worthwhile or the others start helping out. Then I recommend getting a better quality tree, even spending upward of $300 (for an unlit 6 1/2 foot tree) because they look more realistic and hold up better.
The biggest issue is how to store those lights so they don't get tangled up. A spool or reel is the best choice, though a simple piece of cardboard to wind it up will do nicely. Christmas Lights Etc. makes some nice reels, starting at under $4 each, that prevent tangling. I recommend one per string of lights, and they will stay put away neatly without getting tangled. You can also look for other ornament storage, whether there or at another place, to protect ornaments from breakage and losing them. Then, if you do want to upgrade, you know what you already have and can start from there. At least, you don't have to worry so much about those tangled lights wasting half the morning.
