How to Easily Trim a Christmas Tree

Trimming the family tree with a Christmas tree topper and all of your favorite ornaments, garland and lights may seem like a daunting experience, but believe it or not, there is an easy way to get things done. So, crank up the Christmas music, call in willing family members and friends (have food on hand), unpack the decorations and lets get things started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Christmas tree topper
• Ornaments
• Garland
• Christmas lights
• Candy canes (or other special decorations)
• Multiple outlet electrical cord (a cord with at least 3 outlets, each 1 ft apart).
• Step stool or step ladder for taller tree.
• Extension cord if needed.

1. 

   First, place your favorite tree topper on top of the Christmas tree (you may need your step ladder). Then plug the tree topper cord into first outlet of the multiple outlet electrical cord. Let cord hang down the back of the tree pushing it slightly into the branches so that it can't be seen. Then plug the cord into the nearest wall plug to see if everything works. (Use the extension cord if necessary to reach the wall plug.)

2. 

   Next start hanging the first row of Christmas lights, beginning at the top of the tree. Continue winding the row of lights gently around the tree, carefully slanting it sideways and downward as you go. When you only have a few feet of cord left, plug the row of lights into the closest electrical outlet at the back of the tree. Continue connecting each new cord of lights the same way until you've covered the entire tree with lights.

3. 

   Now it is time for the ornaments. You might want to assign someone to make sure there are hooks on all the ornaments before you start. Next, you can either make a plan for putting the ornaments on the tree or you can 'wing it' if you like. Stop when it looks 'done'. Then add the garland by beginning at the top of the tree and slanting it (like the lights) or you can choose a different design that you like even better.

4. 

   Finally, it is time to put on the candy canes or other special decorations. This is a great project for kids (and they are especially good at hanging candy canes at the bottom of the tree). When you run out of candy canes, you are done. Tree trimming is a simple and fun Christmas tradition for family and friends. Happy Holidays!

Tips & Warnings

• Christmas music is great for setting the holiday mood.
• Make sure all lights and extension cords are tree safe.

[soanyway]

on 11/7/2009 Oh No! It's almost here...again. I can't wait! Thanks for the tips. I had to recomn'd you again...oh darn! LOL

[kaldrich88]

on 7/27/2009 great tips 5*

[xrayness]

on 7/10/2009 I can't wait for Christmas; thanks for sharing.

[waters]

on 7/5/2009 Good tips on how to trim a Christmas tree. 5*

[bfreethree]

on 12/17/2008 My pleasure Paint-it. We love to sit and enjoy our tree as we make popcorn garland. Christmas really is great time to be with family and to make new friends. Merry Christmas to you and yours!