How To Decorate A Christmas Tree - By: Rachael Stone

One of the first ways one can begin the Christmas festivities is by decorating a Christmas tree. It helps one see more beauty in the world and feel a bit more love. Often this is a family activity where everyone happily gets involved. It's fun and helps all get into the holiday spirit.

Before you get to the fun bit, you need a good tree. Pick out a vibrant green, healthy tree that will fit easily in the place where you are going to put the tree. It should be big enough to look impressive, but not so large that you can't get it through the door! Too large a Christmas tree won't give you enough room to move around it. Pick carefully.

Place the tree's stump in a supply of water, straight after freshly cutting the base. This will optimize the longevity of the tree's life and reduce the number of pins dropped from the branches. The water will need constant checking and topping up for the first couple of days. Let one of your older kids have the job of maintaining a full water reservoir, to give them a taste of responsibility.

Once your Christmas tree is in place and being well looked after, it's time to get decorating! Begin with adding Christmas lights. White LED lights can be purchased as long strands of static bulbs, or with options to make them twinkle, fade etc. The difference in price isn't huge and the lights with different settings provide a bit of extra fun for the family.

Before you string your lights around the tree, verify that every bulb works. Start winding the lights around the tree, working out from the inside. When you're finished, the lights should be spread evenly around the tree and looking very festive.

Now is the time to get the kids properly involved in Christmas tree decorating ideas. A perfectly decorated tree might look amazing, however it's far more important to let your children feel they have had a role in preparing the house for the holidays. A beautiful tree is achievable even with the help of many little hands!

Choose Christmas tree decorating ideas that will suit the room. Traditional Christmas colors are red, green and gold. If red and gold doesn't go with the decor of the room, consider a scheme that incorporates either silver or gold, with red, purple, silver or blue. You may even choose a silver and gold theme, although decorations often look best with one metallic mixed with a brighter color.

Keep it simple. More than two colors detracts attention from the actual ornaments and can become quite an eyesore! The decorations you will need for your Christmas tree are: garlands, 'filler' ornaments, special ornaments and a Christmas tree topper. Depending on the visibility of the base of the tree, you might decide to also decorate the stump with ribbon.

Wrap the garlands around the tree after the lights have been added. As with the Christmas lights, spread them evenly among the branches. Consider which angles need to look good on the tree. For example, if your Christmas tree is in a window, the entire tree needs to be decorated evenly and look beautiful. However, if your tree is backed into a corner, don't waste ornaments by placing them right at the back where no one will see.

Kids enjoy putting up ornaments. Just be sure to watch they don't pull over the tree or try to climb up furniture to reach higher up. Begin with placing the less expensive and possibly more durable ornaments on the lower branches. Let your children know that ornaments need to be placed high enough that toddlers, pets or gifts won't knock them off the tree. Again, make sure these are evenly spread. Don't just hang them on the ends of the branches. Reach inside the tree to make it look fuller and richer in decoration.

Special ornaments are the unique or collectible decorations you acquire over the years. By placing the fragile ornaments higher up on the tree, they are seen easier and are less likely to be knocked off the tree. These are the last touches to the tree, so spend time moving them about to find the best spots. The last step is to add the top ornament to the tree.

Whether a sparkling star or a glowing angel, after the topper has crowned your Christmas tree, it's time to stand back and admire your Christmas tree decorating ideas. Maybe with a mince pie and mulled wine in hand!

About the Author

Enjoy the season with reindeer jewelry while you wait for the arrival of Santa

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