Comments on: How to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree

on 12/11/2008 If you want to get the perfect lit tree, stand about 10 feet away and squint. It will allow you to see all of the gaps more clearly. Trust me, it works. My Grandmother taught me this a couple of years ago and it works great.

on 11/22/2005 Be sure to get many lights deep inside, near the trunk. This gives more dimension to the view. Also, be sure to include ornaments deep inside (especially in the sparse branch areas). The inside lights will reflect nicely on the inside ornaments. Before putting on the ornaments, turn off all the room lights, step back about 10 feet, and squint. This will give you an idea of the evenness of color distribution, etc.

on 11/22/2005 I've found the quickest method to getting lights on a tree is to first unstring a set of lights. Then, holding the end with the plug, loop the string in your hand (you should end up with the lights in a circle about 1 foot long).

Starting at the top of the tree, begin spiraling the lights around and at the same time, weave them over and under the branches near the edge of the tree. Attach new strings and repeat as necessary.

on 11/22/2005 I have a Christmas tree extension cord (the one with multiple outlets on the cord). I took it and attached it to the trunk of our artificial tree with zip ties (green, of course). Our tree came with extra twigs to cover up the metal pole (trunk). Just wrap some of these around to cover it up. I keep it on the trunk when we put it away and it's there for next year!

on 11/22/2005 Before I set my tree up on my expensive bare floors, I put a thick bathmat or bath towel folded in half under the tree stand. I then set my tree up in the middle of my room on the bathmat. I add the lights before sliding the tree into place, whether it's in the corner or in front of the window. The towel or mat makes it so easy to slide the tree in place and protects my flooring from scratches.

on 11/22/2005 Christmas tree extension cords are sold everywhere during the holidays, usually green and about 6' in length with multiple outlets. Lets one add multiple light sets, tree toppers, etc. safely, easily and virtually hassle-free. A real time saver.

on 11/22/2005 When you have put the lights up, take a few steps back from the tree and squint your eyes. Now it's easy to see if the lights are evenly spread across the tree. Adjust the lights and take another look until you are satisfied.

on 11/22/2005 Your tree can be extra-special by wrapping each branch of the tree with lights. Start near the trunk and wrap each bough, twisting and turning to cover from trunk to tip. Then move to the next area. Warning: It can take up to 1500 lights for one tree.

on 11/22/2005 Before you put the tree in its place, put your lights and garland on it. This way you can walk around the tree and not have to throw and catch the lights when the tree is up against a window or wall. Then position the tree and decorate.