Christmas trees

[Tink]

I've had live Christmas trees most of my life. I'm allergic to the needles so always break out while decorating them, but was too stubborn to give in and get an artificial one. Until this year...

Each year I get less and less help decorating the tree. Greg always grumbles about having to help get the tree in a stand. Decorating it by myself is a PITA; especially putting on the lights... so I just bit the bullet and ordered myself a pre-lit artificial tree so I can decorate it without such a struggle or spending days itching my hands and arms raw.

The tree I ordered is only 6.5 feet tall, so it's not huge... but it's very full and hinged, so I hope I'm going to like it. I was seriously dumb struck when I saw the prices on the trees! I've found several that were literally thousands of dollars! Being the cheapskate that I am, I bought one that was normally $400 but was way less than that including shipping.

So who else has an artificial tree?
Do you like it? What features did you look for when choosing it?

[DianaB]

I finally gave up and got an artificial tree a few years ago too. I was tired of waiting until really close to Christmas to put it up because of it drying out and leaving stickers all over the floor. I didn't have a clue as to what to look for when we bought but I ended up with a pre-lit tree that folds up. I ended up getting it at K-mart before ours went out. Anyway, I like it because it's so full. It is heavy to put together and I have to match all the plugs when I put it together but I like it. Mine also turns around but that wasn't a feature that I was looking for. It makes it very pretty but I put so many ornaments on it that it won't turn!!!! Anyway, I think that you did a good job of picking out a tree.

[katepoet]

As you all know, I gave it up - this is the second year without any tree or most decorations. I thought I had sold or given away all my ornaments but I found a couple of boxes the other day. Mostly antique I think, from the 1940s. Nice to see again but I will let them go too.

But, I love Christmas and I actually use my Christmas coffee mugs all year long as well as the bowls with the snowmen around the edge. If I find them, I know I kept my sleigh bells on red leather for hanging on the door...

Here's the message I like to put on my answering machine at this time:

'Twas the night before Christmas
and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring
not even a mouse.
But the telephone rang once
and a second time, too,
so our answering machine
is talking to you.
We wish you the happiest times
of good cheer!
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah,
and a Happy New Year!

[Tink]

CSXHYLIGHTa.jpg This is the tree I ordered... DH might have a fit, as I never did get a straight answer out of him on whether I should buy one... but oh well that'll teach him not to answer when I ask his opinion, right? LOL

[Marilyn]

Tink, it looks like a beautiful tree. We're still buying real. My hubby has wanted artificial for years now. He wants one we can decorate with wheels on it & just roll it in a closet. However, so far, we've been able to convince him otherwise. I have to admit though. This year, or girls will not be home to help put it up. So this may be our last year for a real tree.

[katepoet]

What fun, Tink! Already to go! Seems to me it fits your plans for getting on with enjoying your life without the kids in the house. Now if you could just get the kids out of the house...

[Forgivenmom5]

Very pretty tree Tink. We have a big one we have used for years. I thought about getting a smaller one but Angie said it wouldn't be Mom's without our big tree.

[Mandy]

We have had artificial tree's for the last 6 years. They a bum to put together, but no dropping needles, and no prickly itches.
I'll take pics when it's up, and post.

Nice tree Tink, you are going to be happy with your change.

[rivermom]

Very Pretty tree Tink. I think the artificial one's are so nice these days.

Ugh....This thread only reminds me that i STILL need to get mine up. I know I shall find that Christmas spirit somewhere.

[Mandy]

Originally Posted by rivermom

Very Pretty tree Tink. I think the artificial one's are so nice these days.

Ugh....This thread only reminds me that i STILL need to get mine up. I know I shall find that Christmas spirit somewhere.

LA LA LA LA LAAAAAAAA LA LA LA LA

[Janet]

We've always had an artificial tree. When we were first married we lived in a 2 bedroom trailer where our house now sits. There was no way I was having a fire hazard like a real tree in a trailer. I had a friend die in a trailer fire and learned that a trailer can be fully engulfed in 7 minutes. Not much time to get out.

I really like the tree you ordered Tink, very pretty. I'm wanting a new tree this year. The one I have is very full and pretty, but I really like the look of those thinner ones....kind of antique looking or something. I also want it pre-lit.

Does anyone know what happens when one of the lights go out? Can you replace a bulb or what. I'm wanting one, but don't know much about them.

[DianaB]

As for Christmas cheer we've been practicing a Christmas program at church since September. I've been reminded that Christmas is coming ever since!!!! Just about 10 more days until we do the program. Yeah!!!!

Tink, I think that the tree you picked out is beautiful and I think that you'll love it. Just throw all the kid's stuff on the back porch, put that tree up and enjoy it.

Janet, I'm sure that I can change the lights on my tree because it came with extra bulbs. I have a few burned out and need to change them. I do like having the lights already on the tree so I don't have to mess with it.

[Janet]

It sounds wonderful to have the lights already on the tree. I'm going to set some decorations out between now and the weekend, but I plan to shop for a tree on Saturday or Sunday. I'm really anxious to find a tree.

[Ponyup]

We have a 4 foot tall artificial tree that we got really cheap at target after christmas one year. We set it up on a small table to keep the animals out of it & have room for presents underneath it. It's pre-lighted & now we keep it decorated all year round & just carry down to the basement when christmas is over.

[Janet]

Originally Posted by Ponyup

We have a 4 foot tall artificial tree that we got really cheap at target after christmas one year. We set it up on a small table to keep the animals out of it & have room for presents underneath it. It's pre-lighted & now we keep it decorated all year round & just carry down to the basement when christmas is over.

What a great idea....now I just need a basement and I'm all set!