How To String Lights On A Christmas Tree

Make sure that before you begin, to have everything you need on hand. This will eliminate not having something you need while you are the ladder.

So we will begin with the ladder, make sure you have a sturdy step ladder or small ladder handy. You will need this while you are wrapping the upper branches, even with a small tree, being on a ladder makes stringing your lights much easier.

You will obviously need your lights, an extension cord if the socket is not close or a step on off/on switch cord, makes lighting your tree easier and some patience.

Now that you have your supplies, you need your lights.

There are Christmas Tree lights in multicolor or any color that you could possibly imagine, red, white, blue, purple, pink, yellow, green and the list goes on. The cords on Christmas lights also come in a variety of colors, white, green or brown. When purchasing Christmas lights it is important that your cord colors match and that the cords have extension outlets on each side to accommodate more than one string of lights.

Christmas lights also come in variety of lengths, 20, 50, 100 and even 200 bulbs.

There are also different shapes and styles of lights and the new LED lights.

Would you be surprised to know that it is recommended that you start stringing your Christmas Tree lights at the bottom? We had always started at the top. Reason being...you can follow the electrical outlet with the string of lights and not have too much or too little left over from stringing from the top. Never thought of it that way before. You will also be able to start with the correct male/female connections, ever string lights and end up with two female ends?

When decorating your Christmas Tree, always start with the lights. The lights are first thing that should be put on before garland or ornaments.

As you string your lights use a weaving motion one light under a branch and the next light over, under and over. Tuck the cord into the branches so the cord does not show.

Estimate your space as you work your lights into the branches, stagger and space your rows so that there are no bare spots or clumps of lights together. Be especially careful not to clump the lights together at the top of the tree. The top of the tree should be the showplace for your topper.

If you decide you need more lights on your Christmas Tree, use additional strands and repeat the process of weaving from the top of the tree to the bottom.

Not sure how many lights you need, a quick rule of thumb is to take the height of your tree and times by 10. For example, a six foot tree would approximately 60 feet...I know I go way overboard on the amount of lights on my tree but just can't help it.

Now that you have finished stringing and are satisfied with the lights on your Christmas Tree, it is time to decorate your decorate your tree with ornaments, garland and whatever tickles your fancy....