How to Put Lights on the Xmas Tree
The first Christmas trees were lit with candles attached to the ends of branches by melting wax or attaching them with metal clips. Candles were not the safest way of lighting a tree, and, today, there is a multitude of safer choices. Twinkle lights are most commonly available, but lights shaped like balls or snowmen, bubble lights, LED lights, and lights that flash to music or in changeable patterns are also readily available. Lights come multi-colored or can be all the same, ranging from white to the unusual, like teal or purple. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Christmas tree lights
- Replacement bulbs
- Christmas tree
- Extension cord
- Power strip (optional)
- Electrical outlets
Instructions
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Choose the right amount of lights for the height of your tree to make sure the entire tree looks full. Usually 100 to 125 lights per foot is a suitable amount; therefore, a six-foot tree will take 600 to 750 lights. A smaller tree requires a little less. A three-foot tree will look fully lit with just 100 to 150 lights.
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Test lights before putting them on the tree even when they are new. It is much easier to change burned-out lights before they are placed on the tree. Plug in the light strings, replace burned-out bulbs and leave them on while putting them on the tree.
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Arrange an extension cord so that the socket end hangs in the back of the tree and the plug end is easily plugged into an outlet. It is only safe to connect three sets of lights together. Larger trees often require more than that and using an extension cord allows for more lights. Attach the top strands into the extension cord and the bottom three directly into the receptacle or power strip.
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Place the receptacle part of the first strand of lights at the very top of the undecorated tree. This allows for tree toppers that need electricity. Bring the light cord down to the top branches and wrap it loosely around a branch, go to the next and do the same and work down the tree.
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Tips & Warnings
Short and fat trees benefit from running lights vertically to make them look taller. Run them horizontally on a taller tree. Place some lights in the interior of the tree so that they can give the impression of depth and light up ornaments within the tree.
Always check lights for cracked sockets or frayed and bare wires. Get rid of lights that are damaged because they are not safe to use. Always turn the lights off when leaving the house or retiring for the night, even with an artificial tree. It is not safe to leave lights on unattended.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Digital Vision/Getty Images
