Prelit Christmas Trees: 2011 Switch

The Switch From Live to Artificial

Was this the year you switched from the live tree to an artificial prelit Christmas tree? Several customers opened up on why they chose to switch and cited several common reasons:

• Allergies to live trees: Some people are allergic to live trees and require the artificial non-allergenic substance.
• Money: Purchasing a live tree year after year can become expensive, and an artificial tree pays itself off over time.
• Bugs: Many live trees are infested with bugs if not properly taken care of at tree farms.
• Hassle: Many customers did not want to deal with the hassle of setting up a live Christmas tree or simply could not deal with the weight of it. Cleaning up after the tree also became troublesome when it shed and required constant watering.
• Falling: Many customers reported that their live tree continually fell even after decorated.
• Short lifespan: Live trees died while customers wanted a longer lasting display, thus turning to artificial Christmas trees.

Considering an Artificial

If you've decided that you're ready to move from live tree to prelit Christmas tree, there are several things to keep in mind. There are many artificial trees on the market, but many that are sub-standard in terms of quality. If you enjoy the look of a live tree but not the hassle and other negative factors associated with live, looking for a quality tree is essential. As well as the look, there are seven considerations when buying an artificial Christmas tree. Make sure you know who you're purchasing from when buying an artificial tree.

Lively Artificial Trees

If you want the beneficial features of an artificial tree with the looks of a live tree, there are several options available. The following trees are perfect for live tree enthusiasts:

Hunter Artificial TreeThe Hunter

The Hunter has dramatic downswept branches, mixed green coloring, and small, natural pinecones. It has a full profile for a traditional look and comes in clear incandescent bulbs or warm white LEDs. The Hunter is an extremely realistic artificial tree with a curving arch that bows to the floor, looking much like a fresh tree in the midst of a forest.

Carolina FirThe Carolina Fir

The Carolina Fir is majestic in size and has a blend of light and dark tips resembling fresh growth. The tree has flat sprays and slender tips that branch upward and outward in a staggered appearance. The tree boasts a high tip count and comes in clear or multicolor lights.

Brighton FirThe Brighton Fir

The Brighton Fir is a very traditional looking artificial Christmas tree with a healthy mix of dark and light needles. It comes in several profiles from traditionally full to medium, slender, or even the smallest, pencil profile. Coming in multicolor or clear lights, the Brighton Fir has a high light count and brightens up any space.

Blue Aspen FirThe Blue Aspen Fir

The Blue Aspen Fir has a full profile with a dense interior and soft blue-green colors throughout. It looks very much like a tree in a snowy forest. Available in clear incandescent bulbs or warm white LEDs, the Blue Aspen draws the eye with its powerful height and thick base.

Did You Make the Switch?

If you're one of the many consumers who purchased an artificial Christmas tree instead of a live tree, share with us why in the comments. If you're considering a prelit Christmas tree, why not purchase now for this season and many seasons to come? Artificial Christmas trees can look just as realistic as live and last much longer, so enjoy a prelit Christmas tree today. You'll be satisfied with your purchase.

Top 12 Christmas Decoration Light Shows of 2011

The Christmas Light Tradition

Christmas lights weren't always everywhere, and they certainly weren't as ornate as they are today. When Edison first invented the light bulb, he didn't think that Christmas lights would become the standard, though, believe it or not, he was the first to encourage the use of Christmas lights during December, the darkest month of the year. Initially, Edison decorated for Christmas with light bulbs, but because they were so expensive, he encouraged others to rent them as opposed to buying them. Funny how times have changed. Now you can't go a block without seeing a house decorated with Christmas lights, and Christmas light shows have become some of the most ornate traditions in America.

As homage to the twelve days of Christmas, check out our list of top twelve Christmas light shows for 2011.

The Best Christmas Pop Song House

This house takes a traditional Christmas song and brings it to life with dancing Christmas lights. Between the shooting stars on the front of their house and the tree in the yard that appears to be waving back and forth, the movement in this piece is astounding.

The Best Video Game Inspired House

That is an angry, angry house based on the popular game Angry Birds. It has one of the catchiest tunes, and this bright house totally captures the essence of the game.

The Best Christmas Carol House

The pinwheel in the yard and the candles with shooting star tops really bring life to the house and make the whole show unique.

The Best Heavy Metal House

You're not hearing that wrong; that is indeed a Christmas light show playing Slayer. Any metal fan would love to live across from this house (I know I would).

The Best Techno House

Sandstorm by Darude is a great dance song, though I've never before thought to combine it with Christmas lights. The spinning candy canes not only scream Christmas spirit but also pull in the techno feel. I would totally have a dance party at this house.

The Best Movie Inspired House

The Polar Express, a movie that captured real movements of people to bring a popular children's book to life, is actually playing in the window of this house while the light show goes on. The entire house dances as the figures in the movie dance to "Hot Chocolate," a song from the movie.

The Best Sports Inspired House

If you're an MSU fan, this house will bring a tear to your eye. Decorated in MSU colors, green and white, the lights play along to the pregame fight song for the university team.

The Most American House

Decorated in red, white, and blue, this house is dedicated to all American troops and veterans. The song, a mix of American pride songs, plays while the house dances and the American flag stays steady overhead.

The Best Hymn Inspired House

The falling snowflakes have a grace to them that is reminiscent of the song while the white, green, and red colors call attention to the season. The song itself is a new take on an old classic, and the lights fit it well.

The Best Christmas Epic House

Anyone who has ever watched one of the Christmas light show videos knows this song. "Wizards in Winter" by the Trans Siberian Orchestra has come to represent all those who enjoy Christmas to the extreme, and this house with each light blinking as part of the song, certainly is extreme.

The Best Bluegrass House

These Christmas lights are dueling, and not in the traditional sense: they're dueling with banjos. The light show itself uses complementary colors (red and green) to distinguish between the two banjo players as if the lights really are interacting with each other.

Best in Show

This house is huge, and the lights are overwhelming. The spinning trees, the dancing snowflakes, and the glittering house makes this video Best in Show. Let's just say that I'll be sharing this with my friends on Facebook.

More Christmas Light Shows

There are a ton more Christmas light shows on Youtube from years previous. Each year, the light shows seem to grow bigger and more impressive. If you have a light show you'd like to share, connect with us on Facebook.

TruTip Christmas Trees Impress Even Live Tree Enthusiasts

TruTip^TM Christmas Trees

Realistic Artificial Christmas Trees

Everyone loves the look of a real tree, but not everyone can facilitate a live tree with its many needs. Watering can become a hassle, and shedding needles requires constant cleaning. Realistic artificial Christmas trees offer the look of a live tree but with the life span of an artificial tree, and Red Sleigh trees with TruTip^TM technology are some of the most realistic Christmas trees available.

TruTip^TM artificial Christmas trees have molded PVC and PE tips based on real tree families so that the artificial tree looks as lively as possible. With a mix of pigments and superior craftsmanship, it's hard to tell the difference between TruTip^TM trees and a live tree. Check out a few of the TruTip^TM selection and be surprised at the look.

Carolina Fir Tree

The Carolina Fir

The Carolina Fir is a dense tree with a staggered appearance and outreaching branches. The tips are a beautiful mix of light and dark greens so that overall appearance is that of a powerful tree in the midst of a forest. The tree boats high tip counts for its family and comes in a range of heights from 4.5' to 12' with either clear or multicolor lamps. With its many variations, full appearance, and impressive base width, the Carolina Fir is one of the most recommended TruTip^TM trees.

Blue Aspen Fir Tree

The Blue Aspen

The Blue Aspen Fir is a tree based on the very popular Noble Fir design and is one of the newest members of the TruTip^TM family. It is a lively tree with a full profile and a modest base width so that it fits in a range of spaces. The tree varies from 6.5' to 9' in height in either clear incandescent bulbs or warm white LEDs. The most eye catching part of the Blue Aspen is its beautiful coloring. The tips are a rich mix of green and blue modeled after the real Blue Aspen Fir.

Colorado Pine Tree

The Colorado Pine

The Colorado Pine has one of the largest base widths of the TruTip^TM Christmas trees. It is a powerful tree available in heights from 6.5' to 9' in clear incandescent bulbs or warm white LEDs. While it is a new tree in the TruTip^TM line, it is no less loved. The Colorado Pine has thick foliage but enough space to showcase many ornaments and has additional pine cones for a touch of the forest in each branch. The Colorado Pine is a gorgeous way to start a Christmas tradition.

TruTips^TM Comparable to Live Trees

These three Christmas trees are only a small selection of what TruTip^TM has to offer. All of the artificial Trutip^TM trees have the same gorgeous PE / PVC mixed tips for the most realistic appearance possible. With different styles, base widths, colors, and tip styles, there is an artificial Christmas tree for even the most live tree enthusiast.

12 Days of Christmas Sale Offers Discounts as Thanks to Customers

12 Days of Christmas Sale: Day 7

The 12 Days of Christmas

While they're not giving out Partridges in Pear Trees, Christmas Lights Etc. is having a 12 Days of Christmas Sale where discounted prices are lowered another 12% to help you decorate your winter wonderland. Every day, a new item goes on sale across the site, focusing on many different item types for the complete decorating package. To find the sale of the day, browse the site and click on the banner at the top of the page labeled "12 Days of Christmas." The banner will take you to the page with the corresponding day's sale.

Snowflake Motif

Day 7: Snowflakes and Stars

Today, the 12 Days of Christmas sale focuses on Snowflakes and Stars. With the code 12DAYS2011, you can take an additional 12% off already reduced prices on the many lighted motifs. With a wide selection of snowflakes in warm white, cool white, light blue, and bright blue LEDs or incandescent bulbs, no two snowflakes are the same. Decorating with multiple different snowflakes gives a true snowy feel to any house. The stars come in many shapes as well, including those that are reminiscent of the Bethlehem star that led the wise men to the manger in the traditional Christmas story. With sizes between 20" all the way up to 4', you can decorate with stars and snowflakes outdoors as well as indoors.

Additional Sales

Another promotion that is going on as a bonus to the 12 Days of Christmas sale is the 12CENT2011 coupon, which gives 12 cent shipping to any order over $100. This coupon cannot be combined with 12DAYS2011, so choose which one would save you the most money.

It's important to visit the site each and every day since the sales change. So far, items like Starlight Spheres and Pre-decorated Centerpieces have been on sale. Even the Colorado Pine and Blue Aspen Fir artificial Christmas trees were an additional 12% off! If you've missed one of the days, however, don't worry. The 12th day of Christmas promises to be the best sale yet. On December 12th, all items that went on sale during previous days go on sale once more for a grand blowout.

Cyber Monday for Massive Discounts on Christmas Decorations

Cyber Monday Sale

It happens only once a year, and it's here: Cyber Monday. It doesn't matter what type of Christmas decorations you want, Cyber Monday is discounting them all. Everyone needs decorations, and the holidays are here. There's no use putting off purchasing your Christmas decor any longer, so check out Christmas Lights Etc.'s Cyber Monday Sale.

Tons of Savings

Cyber Monday has great savings on everything from artificial Christmas trees to LED lights. Decorations such as wreaths, outdoor topiary animals, rope light motifs, and even hanging clips are on sale. On Cyber Monday, you can save $60 to $260 dollars on top selling Christmas trees. With purchase on Cyber Monday, you even receive a free storage bag for your tree.

If you order before noon, you can save 25% on your order. From noon to midnight on Cyber Monday, you can still save 20%. These savings are on top of sale price items as well!

Get the Savings for the Holidays

No matter what you're looking for, there are Christmas decorations for all. Check out the savings and the huge selection and decorate with little to no strain on your bank account. Cyber Monday is only one day a year--so shop early!.

Grand Cascades Offer Unique and Beautiful Design Ideas

Grand Cascade Lights on Tree

New Decorations

The Season is upon us. All over town, Christmas decorations are being put up in window fronts and store displays. Trees are being trimmed, lights are being hung, and children are writing their wish lists to Santa.

Like years previous, LED technology is all the rage. Because LEDs are very bright, save a tremendous amount of energy, and maintain spectacular colors, they continue to be popular with decorators. This year, Grand Cascade Lights are quickly becoming the hot new item to decorate with.

Unique Effect

Like graceful snowflakes falling through the sky, Grand Cascade Lights give off a unique snowy effect. Lights start at the top of the tube and gently trickle down like snowflakes through the air. Light speed is variable; light may fall quickly in one instance while it falls slowly another.

Cascades pull the eye and work well on trees and roof lines and fit a standard C9 socket. Because they are LED, they are bright and instantly gather attention. To view an LED Snowfall in action, watch the video:

Different Styles

There are two types of snowfall lights, the Grand Cascade Tubes as mentioned before and the Falling Icicle Lamps. The Grand Cascade Tube, as seen in the video, is a long plastic tube with lights that drip down the center. While the Falling Icicle Lamps have the same light display, they are shaped more like icicles hanging gracefully from the side of a frozen roof line and fit a regular C7 socket.

Icicle Cascade Bulbs

The effects are startling. While the Grand Cascade Tubes look like snowflakes falling to the ground, the Falling Icicle Lights bring forth an image of a melting icicle on a cold winter day. Both types of Cascades, however, are outstandingly unique and beautiful.

Bright Colors and Customizable Lengths

Like other LEDs, Cascades come in several brilliant colors. Cool White, Blue, Red, Green, and Amber lights are all available. For ultimate customization, Cascades come in different sizes ranging from 5" to 36".

If you're looking for a new way to decorate this holidays, try LED Grand Cascades.

Christmas Tree Skirts Are For More Than Decoration

Christmas Tree with Skirt and Presents

The Purpose of Christmas Tree Skirts

Christmas tree skirts are festive decorations used beneath the Christmas tree to cover the ground immediately around the tree stand. While tree skirts are beautiful additions to the Christmas tree, their purpose goes beyond mere tradition. Like each piece of the Christmas tree, the tree skirt has a purpose behind its usage.

A History of Tree Skirts

The first Christmas trees were actually lit with candles as opposed to bulbs. This meant that while lit, the candles would drip wax onto the floor. Christmas tree skirts were created to gather the wax as well as the fallen needles from the live trees to make clean up easier.

Traditional tree skirts were not very decorative and were simple pieces of circular fabric that could be placed beneath the tree and taken out for cleaning without hassle. As technology advanced, tree skirts became more decorative. Since wax was not going to drip on the tree skirt and ruin it, the skirt became more ornate with new fabrics and designs.

Traditionally Plain Christmas Tree Skirt

The Present Day Use of Tree Skirts

Now, the tree skirt is used primarily to hide the tree stand and add interest to the bottom of the tree. Placing presents beneath the tree on the tree skirt has become common practice, while placing presents that were light enough to be hung in the tree had been standard before bulbs became widely used. Tree skirts are still helpful for hiding the tree stand and gathering fallen needles even now that skirts have become more about decoration than function.

Types of Tree Skirts

All sorts of materials go into the making of tree skirts. No longer are simple fabrics used but every type of fabric from cotton to upholstery grade. Velvet and silks are most used, and many skirts have tassel trim in complementary colors. While traditional tree skirts had little to no decoration on them, modern day tree skirts are very decorative. Tree skirts usually depict scenes from the nativity or a Christmas village, though many tree skirts take a non-traditional approach and depict reindeer, birds, and snowmen, or purely decorative items like holly and swirls.

Modern tree skirts come in multiple sizes since Christmas trees are so varied. They still hold to the traditional shape, encircling a tree stand and coming to rest beneath the tree over the ground. Many tree skirts continue the round shape, though some are scalloped or star-shaped to depict the star of Bethlehem.

Whatever the tree skirt, the tradition is set. A tree looks best with a skirt whether to gather needles or hold presents. With the multiple sizes, fabrics, and scenes depicted on tree skirts, they have become a varied and popular Christmas decoration item.