Tips for Decorating A Christmas Tree

By : Sharon Supriya


Sarah's father was a clergyman. During Christmas season she used to hardly see him because of his busy schedule. Last Christmas Sarah's father could not get the Christmas tree for the first time, as he had some urgent work. So, Sarah aged 12, walked into the jungle to get a plant that was shaped conically. By the time she got the plant home, her hand was bruised and was bleeding. Nevertheless she still carried the smile on her face as she had something to decorate for Christmas.

That's the joy a Christmas tree brings in the Christmas season. Here are some ideas on choosing a Christmas tree, decorating it safely and involving the whole family in the fun. So, gather all your equipments, get the Christmas tree, its time for some family fun.

Choosing a Christmas tree:
You will surely get fake Christmas trees in the market, but it is always a fun and an experience when you get and decorate the original one. When you buy a Christmas tree this time follow these guidelines.

# Buy trees with shorter needles, as it is easier to decorate. They even offer some space between branches for decorations as well as hold heavier ornaments, as the stems of these trees are stronger.
# Main thing to emphasize while selecting a Christmas tree is freshness. Make sure that the needles look shiny, green and fresh. The needles should be resilient they should not fall off when you pull on a branch.
# Make sure that the handle of the tree is straight as it is extremely important when you are securing the tree in a stand.
# Check whether the Christmas tree is free of insects and egg masses before you get it inside the house.
# Once you get the tree inside cut off atleast half an inch from the bottom of the trunk. The cut should be smooth and clean for maximum water absorption.

Decorating Christmas tree:
# While placing the Christmas tree inside, ensure that it is placed away from heat sources such as fireplaces, television sets or radiators.
# Do not ruin the carpet or get watermarks on hardwood flooring. Place a plastic or other waterproof covering on the floor
# Use fireproof decorations and light reflectors. Make sure that the lights with brittle or cracked insulation is replaced.
# Do not overload electrical circuits. Remember if a fuse blows it means the line is overloaded or it is attached to defective equipment. Get three 100 - light sets per tree foot.
# Do not hang all your ornaments on the tip of the branches. Place some ornaments even inside the tree to add depth and curiosity.
# Filler ornaments like basic solid colour balls should be arranged evenly around the tree. You will need about 20 filler ornaments for every 2 feet of Christmas tree.
# Use thin beaded garlands. Even thick paper, ribbon or foil garlands look best when wrapped loosely around the entire tree. For a vertical foot tree use about two strands of garland.
# To make the decoration more interesting use about 10 themed ornaments.
# Spread cotton as thin as a paper on top of the branches to create an image of snow on the branches.
# Place a star or an angel on top of the Christmas tree to get a traditional look.
# Ask the kids to dress three teddy bears in a Santa dress with gift packed boxes in their hands. Place the three teddy bears below the Christmas tree.

Christmas tree decoration should not be one mans affair but a family fun. Get the whole family involved while decorating it.

(first published in living.oneindia.in)