Setting Up a Realistic Fake Christmas Tree: My Experience

Christmas is fast approaching and last week we decorated for the holiday. Last year we decided that we were done with real trees. Our last tree was so sappy. We were like Clark Griswald with the sticky hands after we had finished stringing all the lights.

This year I decided on a King of Christmas tree. I went with the 7.5 foot Unlit Yorkshire Fir. It felt the most realistic to what we would look for if we were searching for a real tree.

If you’ve followed my blog, you know I like to shop Open Box items. They are offered at a significant discount. So, I purchased an open box tree- which came with a 65% discount.

Since this is my first fake tree I didn’t know what to expect. The tree was delivered in a standard shipping box. When I opened it, I found a tree stand and the tree separated into three labeled parts. It also came with a storage bag and gloves for fluffing the tree.

When setting the tree up, I did need help adding the second and third sections. They were not lightweight, which is a good thing. I don’t anticipate it falling over.

The longest, and some feel the most tedious, aspect of setting up the tree was fluffing it. Fluffing involves opening up all the individual branches. You position them to make the tree look as full as possible.

This was my first time fluffing a tree, so it took about 2.5 hours. I assume, it took this long because the tree is brand new and the branches are tightly packed. I think next year it will take half that time.

Even though the process was long, it’s not a step I would rush. I think the more fluffed a tree the more realistic it looks.

Most people I asked about pre-lit fake trees said their lights died rather quickly. This often happened 4-5 years into having the tree. They had to either buy another tree or cut the lights out. Both options, are things I’d like to avoid. So I’ve opted to string the lights on each year.

One of my favorite parts of the holidays is decorating the tree. It doesn’t matter if it’s real or fake. Our family uses a mix of passed down ornaments and red and white bulbs. I bought the candy cane striped bulbs this year. Next year, I will play around with scale and add in some larger ornaments. Overall, I’m happy with our first fake tree.