Top 2 best artificial Christmas trees to buy in 2021

With proper décor, care, and attention to detail, any artificial Christmas tree can look stunning.

But our top recommendation among the dozen and more trees we’ve tried since 2016 is the 7.5-foot National Tree Company Feel Real Downswept Douglas Fir. It is a versatile, competitively priced, realistic, and particularly attractive pick for any home.

7.5-foot National Tree Company Feel Real Downswept Douglas Fir

Compared with both costlier and more affordable artificial Christmas trees, the National Tree Company Feel Real Downswept Douglas Fir (PEDD1-D12-75) provides a good compromise between cost, realism, and ease of set up.

Incorporating nearly 2,000 lifelike polyethylene branch tips, it is fashioned similarly to those other high-quality artificial trees-except that at 37% polyethylene, a higher proportion than normal, it creates an illusion of a living tree.

 With 750 built-in LED bulbs, its branches are well illuminated, and the lights switch from all-white to multicolor or a mix of both, enhancing its unusual versatility.

While most trees need you to find the plugs in the foliage and attach them manually, the Power Connect system on this tree does it automatically when you stack up its three sections.

Balsam Hill’s 7.5-foot Vermont White Spruce Flip Tree Color + Clear LED

This tree has a higher percentage of realistic branches than National Tree’s Downswept Douglas Fir, which makes it appear closer to life, especially from a distance.

Besides, it has two-and-a-half times more lights (1,620 versus 750), creating a luxurious display most of our testers preferred. As with the Downswept Douglas Fir, the Vermont White Spruce’s lights connect automatically through plugs within the trunk.

The wheels on the tree’s base are an appreciated feature among our test group–this tree weighs over 90 pounds due to its numerous realistic branches, and the wheels make it much easier to move it into place and out of storage.

Prelit Christmas Trees: A Jingle Bell Theme

Why Choose a Jingle Bell Themed Prelit Christmas Tree?

When you are ready to decorate your prelit Christmas trees, you are going to find that there are tons of themes that you can go with that are going to look amazing on these trees. Thanks to these trees having lights already installed on them, you can spend more time on the theme of the rest of the décor. One of the themes that you may want to consider is a jingle bell theme!

A jingle bell theme is a fun theme that also has traditional roots. It is a great way to have a dose of a traditional tree with a little whimsical added in. So, how can you integrate the jingle bell theme on prelit Christmas trees? Follow these tips to make the most of this tree!

A Festive Sight and Sound

1. You have several options when it comes to this theme. Many people opt to use real bells on their trees, as they are going to catch the lights making this entire tree glow. You can opt for silver or gold bells, or even a combination of the both, to get this started. You have the added benefit that these may slightly jingle when the branches are moved.

2. Opt for large ornaments that are in the shape of jingle bells. They are easy enough to find. And if you want to make this somewhat rustic, you can even bake jingle bell shaped “cookies” that you then glaze to make them hold up as ornaments.

3. You can mix in several other décor elements to help highlight these bells. For example, you can put on ribbons that are gold or silver onto these prelit Christmas trees to help bring the entire tree together.

Whatever theme you decide on the theme of your tree, have some fun while decorating this to get into the Christmas spirit!

How to restring lights on a Pre-lit Christmas Tree

If your tree isn’t having trouble with the bulbs, then it may be more to do with the wire. You can take out the whole string and replace it with new strings.

How to Restring Lights on a Pre-lit Christmas Tree: An Expert Guide

In some Pre-lit Christmas trees, you might need to take out all light wires–using wire cutters will speed up the process.

You can then re-string the tree using new lights.

In most cases, light strings that encounter a short are not easily repairable.  This happens when a wire’s insulation breaks down, allowing charge to flow in the wrong direction.

Shorts mostly occur when wires are cut or damaged, when multiple devices are plugged into an outlet at the same time, or when light strings are plugged in without considering the amps and watts.

Below are some simple steps for re-stringing a pre-lit Christmas tree.

  • Make sure the lights are plugged in properly, that there are no burnt or broken bulbs, and that the fuses are functioning.
  • When a section does not work, find the male connector, and master bulb.
  • Use zip ties to secure your new light strand at the original master bulb location.
  • Dispose of the master bulb that came with the lamp.
  • Replace all the bulbs attached to the branches with new ones following the original light strand.
  • Tie the wires to the branches.
  • And then repeat the procedure until the light strand is completely replaced.

Light bulbs can be replaced with new ones if they are damaged or burnt. Often, a pre-lit Christmas tree comes with spare decorating bulbs for replacements. And they are usually identical to those on the tree.

You may also get a replacement bulb at local stores. However, be sure to select a bulb that matches the one on your pre-lit tree.

LEDs cannot be used in place of incandescent bulbs because they are incompatible and might cause problems.

Standard light patterns to use with Pre-lit Christmas trees

Do you plan to buy a pre-lit Christmas tree this year? This is for you.

Choosing from the multitude of lighting patterns on the market can be overwhelming. However, the two main types of light are incandescent and LED. Each light has its own characteristics and knowing them would help you choose rightly.

Incandescent light trees

Here are traditional burning bulbs or classic lights which are not as expensive as LED-lit trees. With their bright glow, these traditional lights evoke memories of youth. They are available in quite a lot of designs and can be bought from several stores.

LED light trees

This is a new and more sophisticated addition to your pre-lit Christmas tree selection. The initial cost is higher than the traditional light trees. Regardless, they are durable and a lot more reliable, saving you the hassle of constantly replacing burned out bulbs. Since LED bulbs use less electricity than traditional lights, they are more energy-saving.

A harsh light glow is a noted weakness of older LEDs. Although newer LEDs now emit much softer light. There are also fewer options for LED trees than incandescent ones.

Christmas lights: how to choose the best

The location of a tree must be considered when determining your desired pattern of light. Some Christmas lights cannot be used both outdoors and indoors. You should buy pre-lit trees that are safe to use outdoors if you plan to use them outdoors.

Various light patterns are available for prelit Christmas trees, including clear, multicolored and both. Choosing a décor theme depends on your taste, style, and decor preferences. A clear light theme is ideal if you’re looking for a more sophisticated Christmas theme. Meanwhile, the multi-colored lights introduce a sense of fun and playfulness to the entire atmosphere.

FLOCKED CHRISTMAS TREES AND SPARKLES

Making your flocked Christmas tree beautiful is something that almost everyone can do in their houses, but of course, yours should be outstanding. Here are some tips you should make use of when making your flocked Christmas tree sparkle.

To begin with, you should make use of items that would make your Christmas tree stand out and different. Listed below are some ways through which you can make your Christmas tree dazzle.

Multiply The Amount Of Light You Would Normally Use On Your Christmas Tree

Instead of typically making use of a strand of Christmas light on your tree, make use of about three to four instead. A designer tip to make your Christmas tree sparkle, add 2 or 3 times as many lights. For instance, make use of 13 to 19 strands of Christmas light for a 6-foot-tall Christmas tree and, in the case of an 8-foot-tall Christmas tree, make use of 17 to 25 strands of lights.

Don’t forget that these lights might be covered in one way or the other by the decorations and ornaments, so fix in every light possible. It’s never too much. Always add the lights!

Use Similar Lights

Keep in mind that you should make use of similar lights, so they don’t make the tree look too congested. You cannot be too careful about avoiding rioting colours.

Add Twinkling Lights

In addition to your maximum amount of similar lights, make sure to keep them twinkling and sparkling. Twinkling lights are a sure bet to bring down that sparkle.

Make Use Of Larger Lights

Using larger lights than your ornaments and decoration could go a long way in making your Christmas light stand out gracefully. These lights shine brighter, and they leave stunning impressions of glitters as well.

Add On Shiny Decorations

Lastly, you should make use of reflective and metallic decorations as add-ons to your Christmas tree to make it twinkle and sparkle. 

All of these tips are nuggets to help you create amazing flocked trees and sparkling ones at that.

How to Stay Healthy While Traveling During the Holidays

When we travel, and we’re around big groups of other people, we risk exposure to more germs. Traveling during Christmas time is the perfect storm for illness. It’s cold, we’re exposed to less sun, we drink less water, eat more sugar, and get less sleep due to our busy schedules. Some of us even experience a lot more stress, trying to squeeze everything in. All these factors wear down our immune system and expose us to cold, flu, and other terrible viruses. Here are some of the best tips to keep yourself healthy during your Christmas traveling. 

Fuel Up Before You Go

Studies have shown that eating a good breakfast sets you up for a good day. It’s an excellent way to boost your bod with immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Foods rich in fiber and packed with zinc, vitamin C, and E and more will help you feel your best. Reach for the green tea with honey, oatmeal, smoothie, or citrus fruits to get the most bang for your buck. 

Drink, Drink, Drink!

It’s easy to drink less water when it’s cold outside. It’s already cold, so why would we want a cold drink? When we’re dehydrated, it not only savages our fitness goals but our immune system as well. This makes you much more susceptible to seasonal colds and flu. Raise your glass, and protect yourself 

Get Your Z’s

Sleep is also essential when it comes to staying healthy this Christmas. The more rested you are, the more armed your immune system will be during your travels. Can’t sleep? Just relaxing is proven to aid as well. This is even more of an excuse for you to take a nap or lounge in the calming light of an artificial Christmas tree. 

Wash Your Hands

You may be rolling your eyes at how obvious this seems, but hand washing is the NUMBER ONE WAY OF PREVENTING ILLNESS. It’s essential to wash your hands with antibacterial (not just any) soap and water. You should wash your hands long enough to the “happy birthday song” twice, or for about a minimum of seconds. 

Spend time around an artificial Christmas tree.

Christmas is a warm and intimate time spent with friends and family. Make sure you spend a nice amount of time sitting around an artificial Christmas tree with your family to keep your stress levels down.

Hand Sanitizer 

This is a good investment. Hand sanitizer kills 99.9% of bacteria. When you can’t wash your hands, hand sanitizer can save the dye. Skip the ones with the dyes and scents, since your skin is absorbent and you don’t need extra chemicals in your body. 

Sani-wipes 

One of your best investments while traveling is Sani-wipes. You’d be surprised just how disgusting the subway rails, airplane tray tables, and arm-rests, or doorknobs you touch are. Wipe down your seats and wash your hands frequently when traveling to decrease your chances of getting sick. 

We hope you enjoyed this article on the easiest how to stay healthy while traveling this Christmas. For more great articles like this one, please click here

BEST PRE LIT CHRISTMAS TREES OF 2020

There are a lot of artificial Christmas trees out there. A lot of these trees are of high quality with some features that will just blow your mind. However, we still have certain pre-lit Christmas trees that have proven to be the best, especially this New Year, 2020

In this article, I will be running through a comprehensive list of the best pre-lit Christmas trees this year, 2020. These pre-lit Xmas trees are not just very adorable when you take pictures around them, but they are also affordable.

•           Norway Green Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree With Stand

This particular one is no doubt one of the best, if not the best overall. It looks very cool with its amazing greenness and its delectable stand to uphold this Christmas beauty. It is full-bodied and also very a very nice piece for all kinds of adornment you may want to use.

•           Best Choice Products Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree

This seven and a half feet standing pre-lit Christmas tree is one of the great standards. It is ageless in any setting it is used in. gathering this three-piece tree is one of the thrilling features that makes this pre-lit three a top choice. Due to the flexible branches on this pre-lit fir tree, it does not in any way look fake.

•           The Pre-lit Christmas Pine Tree

This tree stands as tall as six feet and this is one cool feature it has. It also has a very strong metal base to keep it standing all through the season.

•           The 9-Foot Dunhill Pre-lit Fir Tree

Its size makes it an amazing space filler and it is also very colorful. Finally, it is long-lasting.

Others include:

•           Jersey Fraser Fir Pre-lit Christmas Tree

•           Downswept Douglas Fir Pre-lit Christmas Tree

•           Frosted Berry Pine Pre-lit Christmas Tree

Follow along with our blog here.

Best Practices to make a pre-lit Christmas tree last longer

The whole Christmas holidays traditionally lasts for less than 4 weeks. Once Christmas is over, its time to pack up. Properly storing your pre-lit Christmas tree is an essential part of keeping it fresh and good-looking for a more extended period. When not correctly stored, artificial trees and their decorations can become damaged. This can be quite frustrating, especially because you would have to get a new one for the next holiday.

Here, you would find 6 best practices to ensure that your pre-lit Christmas tree lasts longer:

1. Warranty

Before purchasing an artificial tree, you must ensure that it has a warranty. A tree’s warranty says much about its material quality and expected usage span. While some companies short term warranty of 3 to 5 years, we advise that you go for trees with a much more extended warranty of 7 to 10 years.

2. Scan for burnouts

For pre-lit Christmas trees, you must conduct a quick scan of the lights and decorations. Once you find some burnouts, you can easily replace them before the next holiday. Also, trees with LED lights tend to last longer as they have a lower risk of burning out.

3. Dismantle

Most artificial trees come in 3 different parts. Do not store your tree stacked up. Take it down by dissembling it from the top to the bottom. Carefully unplug each section from the other to avoid damages.

After dismantling, fold in the branches of your tree carefully and slowly.

4. Do not store it in a box!

Many people make the mistake of storing their artificial trees back in the box it came in. Since the tree would be staying in there for 11 months and a few weeks, you might want to consider a safer option; like a storage bag.

5. Great storage location

Store your tree in a cool, dry, and clean environment. Avoid storing in environments that are prone to pests, sunlight, moisture, and unregulated temperature. A dry basement or a closet would do just fine.

Finally, avoid stacking things on your tree. With these, your pre-lit Christmas tree should last much longer than envisaged.

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5 FESTIVE CHRISTMAS TABLE SCAPES

There is a highly cherished part of this season of joy and sharing which witnesses friends, family and well wishes from all over coming to share the table with you and your family as you throw that Christmas party to celebrate the holidays. This singular activity more often than not sets the tone for the holiday’s celebration and determines the atmosphere other activities will be featured in.

Even when we look back at our Christmas days from childhood, those moments we hold dearly are mostly those we made around that dining table. Why then would you not consider the table setting very importantly?

From the centerpieces, the candle stands and handlers, as well as the plates, to how you set the utensils, then to the way the floral set, the setting of your table should not be in any way stressful or expensive. 

I have now highlighted five (5) different festive Christmas tablescapes that will help you create a display to catch the attention of all of those guests and family members that would be coming around this Christmas.

  • THE SCANDINAVIAN-THEMED WINTER WONDERLAND CHRISTMAS TABLE. These tablescapes will give that festive Scandinavian delight to your table this Christmas. With just with an intertwining of threads around a wire with a branch from a tree, this special table decoration will be brought to life in your home this season.
  • THE VINTAGE BOUQUET-FILLED CHRISTMAS TABLE.

 A little bit of downplayed flair with a vintage touch of vessels and blue thistle will make great sense this festive season. This festive tablescape is enough to thrill your guests and visitors from all over.

  • THE VINTAGE BULB-THEMED TABLE DESIGN. 

With inspiration from previously used ceramic Christmas trees, this table design is not difficult to create with the provision of necessary equipment.

  • THE GLASS JAR TABLE DESIGN. 

This is very easy to make. All you need to do is to fill a glass vase with greens, cranberries and enough water to create that seasonal delight on your festive table.

  • SILVER BELLS CANDLE TABLE DESIGN.

 Your tablescape can fit into the season’s joy with glamour as you make use of candlesticks that are shiny like bells or sometimes baubles to design your table.

These table designs will stand out and catch the sight of all your guests as they come visiting this holiday season.

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5 COUNTRIES WHERE CHRISTMAS IS BANNED

“All around the world, a celebration of the birth of Christ is universally accepted” This statement is completely false.

Some countries in the world frown at the worship of Christ and the entire doctrines of Christianity. These countries do not see the celebration of Christmas as anything right. In fact, such celebrations are seen as a crime in these countries. 

It is not only that these countries do not accept the Christmas celebration, but they term such festive season as illegal and anyone who errs is treated as a criminal. I will be giving a list of five of these countries 

  • North Korea

In this part of the world, there is nothing like Christmas and this celebration is completely banned. Anyone caught celebrating Christmas or practicing Christianity is taken in as an offender.

  • Saudi Arabia 

This country is a completely set aside Muslim community and they have no such community of Christians at all. This season completely seems like a crime in this Arabian country. The few Christian households around celebrate their own Christmas secretly. 

  • Somalia

This is another nation on the continent of Africa where the practice of Christmas is not embraced. Six years after the country adopted the Sharia law, there was a decree to ban Christianity and the celebration of Christmas. You do not want to be caught celebrating Christmas in such a country like Somalia.

  • Tajikistan

In 2015, there was a decree by the ministry of education in the former Soviet Republic to the effect of placing a ban on Christmas as it is now seen as a crime in that part of the world. It is impossible to publicly display Christmas celebrations in this part of the world. 

  • Brunei

On an oil-rich island, somewhere in Southeast Asia, this festive season of Christmas is frowned at. With a jail term of five years and a fine of $20,000, there is a highly pronounced ban on Christianity as well as Christmas in this country. 

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