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Christmas is steeped in countless customs and traditions, some of which date back centuries. Although many of these traditions originated with religious significance, they have since been assimilated into cross-cultural celebrations. Today, families of all faiths across the globe come together to commemorate Christmas with these traditions.
One of the festive season's most enduring traditions is decorating a Christmas tree with lights, baubles, and all tree decorations to enjoy in the living room. Traditionally, trees are put up at the beginning of Advent - the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year, that’s the 3rd of December, but there are no Christmas tree police – so put it up early and enjoy it for longer!
There’s nothing quite like the scent of a fresh pine tree to signal the start of Christmas celebrations each year, but if you’re using an artificial Christmas tree – burn a pine-scented candle or place a pine-scented diffuser in your living room – it’s almost as good!
Whether you are buying a real Christmas tree or pulling out your faithful artificial Christmas tree, fluff it up and adjust the branches, to make the best tree shape possible before you start thinking about how to style your Christmas tree.
HOW TO DECORATE YOUR TREE
Choose a theme – you may use the same colours each year, and just add a few new ornaments or opt for a total change of colour but whatever you do, you’ll create more impact if you carry the theme from the front door, through the house to the tree and even through to the wrapping paper.
Here are some handy tips and some easy-to-follow steps so you can have a perfectly decorated Christmas tree.
Step 1 - Add the lights
The first thing to do is to add your Christmas tree lights. Starting with the lights will help create an evenly lit tree, and you can easily see where the gaps are for your other decorations. Add dimension by working the string of lights over and under each branch, pushing some of the lights closer to the trunk. Start from either the top and work your way to the bottom so that the plug finishes close to a power point or our battery-operated lights make it easy to start at the top or bottom.
It's a good idea to turn on the Christmas tree lights now and see how the lights are placed – it’s much easier to adjust them now than after all your tree decorations are placed. As silly as it sounds – try looking at the tree through squinted eyes – it’s easy to see the glittering effect.
Step 2 - Decorate the Tree
Once you have unpacked or bought your tree decorations, lay them out and group them by colour and size. Start by placing all of one colour onto your tree, and then move on to the next. This will allow you to spread your decorations for a more uniform look. If you are using baubles in a variety of sizes, make sure to place the bigger baubles towards the trunk, while smaller, lighter decorations can be hung on the tips of the branches. For the perfect finishing touch, add a festive tree topper to the top of the tree.
Step 3 - Stack your Presents
When you’ve finished decorating the tree, continue your chosen festive theme and wrap your gifts in our spectacular wrapping paper, add a coordinated ribbon, a gift tag and even a pretty pick to finish the gift. Create an artistic display of all the presents – it completes the overall look of the tree.
Now you can sit down, relax and admire your beautiful Christmas tree.
Step 4 - Spread the Festivity
It’s not all about the tree! Take the time to make the rest of your home look just as festive and joyful! Add a large wreath to your front door, garlands on the banisters or mantle, and decorate your console with a variety of candles, brushy trees, and other festive decorations.
Our motto is “Nothing succeeds like excess at Christmas!” There’s always some room or a little nook to add a little more Christmas cheer around the house.
