How to Place Lights on a Christmas Tree

For many, decorating a Christmas tree is a traditional part of celebrating the holiday season. This isn't always a fun task, though. Placing lights on a Christmas tree can be quite challenging, as they can easily get tangled or fall off the tree. Even worse is when you finish putting lights on the tree only to stand back and see that they are crooked or not working. Use these tips to properly place lights on a Christmas tree.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lights
• Ladder or stool
• Partner

1. Start by untangling all of the Christmas lights. Doing this will make each of the following steps much easier.

2. Plug the lights in and look for any bulbs that aren't working. Replace all of the bulbs that have gone out. You can buy replacement light bulbs at most stores that sell Christmas lights. Your Christmas lights may come with replacement bulbs, as well. Once you've done this, keep the lights plugged in.

3. Look for a good starting place to begin putting the lights on your Christmas tree. The easiest place to start is at one of the lowest branches on the tree. This way, you can wrap the lights around the tree level by level, keeping them throughout the tree.

4. Grab the lights near the plug and place them on the branch you chose in the previous step. From there, walk the lights around the tree, placing the lights on branches that are at the same level as where you started. You'll want the lights to be about 2 to 3 inches deep when sitting on the branches. This will keep the lights from falling off. Continue doing this until you have come back to your starting point--the place where you originally put the lights.

5. Stand back and examine the tree and lights. Make sure that they are even and that you're happy with how they look. Fix any portions of the lights that you feel need adjustment.

6. Pick a branch above the one you selected in Step 3. How much higher your second-tier of lights will be than the first will be determined by the overall height of the tree and the length of the stand or lights.

7. String the lights around the tree once more, keeping them at the same level as where you began. Once you've made a full circle, you should again step back and inspect the lights. Make any necessary adjustments before moving to the next higher level.

8. Continue placing the lights on your Christmas tree in this manner until you get to the top. If you have any lights left over, you can either let them hang down the inside of the tree or plug them into a tree topper--if you have an electric one. Avoid wrapping excess lights around the top of the tree as it ruins the look of it.

Tips & Warnings

• It's wise to put the lights on your tree before any other decorations. This way, you can easily adjust the lights while working your way up the tree. Ask someone to help you place lights on the Christmas tree. This will make the process much easier, as you'll be able to pass the lights to the person on the opposite side of the tree rather than having to walk around it several times yourself. A partner will be especially helpful if you are much shorter than the tree.
• Check the wires of the lights for any frays or exposed wiring. Throw away the lights if you notice these flaws as they could be a fire hazard, even if they are placed on an artificial Christmas tree.