by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: December 14, 2008

THE WELL-LIT CHRISTMAS TREE

The Christmas challenge begins. Every year, we set up our Christmas trees, struggling to make them stand up straight. Then we arrange and rearrange several strands of lights to create the desired effect. Finally, we dim the lights and step back to witness the holiday magic.

For years, this was the annual agenda in our own family home, every Thanksgiving weekend. Invariably, we would readjust the placement of the Christmas tree lights many times.

Finally, frustrated and fatigued, we would begin digging through the big box of Christmas tree ornaments.

LIGHTING ISSUES SOLVED

Many years ago, we broke down and purchased the most realistic looking artificial Christmas tree we could afford. Amazingly, our holiday lighting fiasco ended.

Here's how we put the lights on our Christmas tree each year.

Follow these same stems, and you will be astonished. It's easy, and the lights are always applied evenly.

BEGIN AT THE BOTTOM.

First, sort out the tree branches, and untangle last year's lighting strands. Test each strand to ensure all bulbs are working.

Set your Christmas tree pole into the stand, and place it far enough from the wall or corner, so that you will be able to walk all the way around the tree. (You can push it closer to the wall or corner after you have finished decorating.)

Install the lowest tier of tree branches onto the pole. Plug in the first strand of Christmas tree lights, and wind it around each branch at this level.

Attach the next level of tree branches to the pole, and wind a second strand of Christmas tree lights to this level. Plug this second light strand into the first one.

Follow this pattern, level by level, until you have installed all of your Christmas tree branches and wound light strands around all of them.

Line up all light strand plugs along the Christmas tree pole, and attach them there with the extra artificial evergreen pieces that came with the tree.

Plug the first light strand into an extension cord or power strip, and switch on the tree.

Turn out all of the lights in the room, and step back to admire your well-lit Christmas tree.

Add a Christmas tree skirt, garlands, ornaments and other decorations, as desired.

ABOUT FRESH-CUT CHRISTMAS TREES

If you are a holiday purist, and you annually purchase a genuine Christmas tree (or if you choose to decorate living trees on your property), then you will have to apply the light strands the old-fashioned way.

For real trees, you can select web-lights, which simply drape onto trees. Or you can go with the traditional light strands.

Using light strands, you have to start at the top of the tree. Attach the end of a working Christmas tree light strand to the uppermost point of the tree, using a sturdy twist-tie. Begin winding your way downwards, keeping lights as evenly distributed as possible, until you reach the base of the tree. Plug all light strands together, and attach the final strand to a suitable extension cord.

Plug it in, and enjoy your festive light display.

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