Unlit Christmas trees

[wstaple]

Does anyone still use unlit Christmas trees? I'm thinking of buying one for the bonus room this year so that I can put some C7 or C9 multi-colored lights, along with some old fashioned bubble lights. I like the look of the larger lights. I think it gives it more of a traditional/retro look.:christmastree:

[Penny Berry]

I still use unlit ones, I weirdly love the fight of putting my lights on perfectly

[ornamentmaven]

I have two unlit white trees. I use them for specialty trees, so I can change the color of the lights

[MinnesotaMike]

I only use unlit. I use classic c7 bulbs (opaque...not clear glass). I mix it up on our main tree. I use a couple strings of the c7s as a "base". Then I use a variety of multi-colored minis (including incandescent & LED). I also use 2 strings of LED clear c7s. I use 2 strings of 100 minis that twinkle. Some may think our tree is a bit "busy", but I love a LOT of lights, and I prefer multi to single colors. Our topper is a star with mini bulbs that also twinkles. I also include silver garland because it reflects the bulbs to give it even more shimmer and glow!

[MinnesotaMike]

wstaple...here is some advice for you: Stick with C7 and smaller for indoor use. C9 bulbs are really designed to be more for outdoor use. They get seriously hot and it could be more of a fire hazard...unless you use LEDs...which absolutely do NOT give it a retro look. My 2 cents: go with opaque C7 multi, and your bubblers.

[wstaple]

wstaple...here is some advice for you: Stick with C7 and smaller for indoor use. C9 bulbs are really designed to be more for outdoor use. They get seriously hot and it could be more of a fire hazard...unless you use LEDs...which absolutely do NOT give it a retro look. My 2 cents: go with opaque C7 multi, and your bubblers.

Good advice, Mike. I've got C9's for outside and you're right, they do tend to get a little hot. And I like the look of the opaque bulbs much better. Thanks!

[ornamentmaven]

The prelit trees are so much easier for the big tree, but I've had to replace trees too early because sections go out and I end up adding my own lights to fill in. I really enjoy using my own lights on my smaller trees, and changing them up from year to year. I've done clear, multi and purple lights on my Madame Alexander doll tree. Love experimenting with different color themes. My big tree is prelit because I have some physical limitations that prevent me from climbing step stools (plus I'm only 5 feet tall!!). I'm never happy with the results when my husband helps - he just doesn't have an eye for it.

[MinnesotaMike]

We had one pre-lit tree. It lasted 2 seasons. When I took it out for the 3rd, half the tree wouldn't light. The tree itself was perfectly fine. Luckily I had a neighbor who took it and put some additional lights on it. Good enough for him....NOT good enough for ME!! HAHA!!

I use my C9 bulbs along my roofline. It frames my display nicely! :)

[ornamentmaven]

I know Mike. I'm on my third prelit tree. I hate having to add lights - it just never looks right - because the lights may be a different "shade" of white, a different brightness, or impossible to set up in the same pattern as the rest of the lights. Many people like to add lights to their prelit trees - but that kind of defeats the purpose.

[wstaple]

We've had the same problems with prelit trees in the past. When we bought our last one, I decided to not put the whole tree back in its original box. I bought an extra box and put the tree in two separate boxes. By doing this I don't have to squeeze and bend the limbs and electrical wires as much, which I believe is part of the reason the lights go out. This will be our 4th year with this tree, and so far we haven't had any issues.

[JollyElfDC]

I wanted to get a prelit tree, but decided against it for the same reasons listed above. I have also heard they are quite a bit heavier than a regular artificial tree. They also cost a fair bit more. So until they improve (and I am sure they will) I will stick with stringing the lights myself.:christmastree:

[ornamentmaven]

We've had the same problems with prelit trees in the past. When we bought our last one, I decided to not put the whole tree back in its original box. I bought an extra box and put the tree in two separate boxes. By doing this I don't have to squeeze and bend the limbs and electrical wires as much, which I believe is part of the reason the lights go out. This will be our 4th year with this tree, and so far we haven't had any issues.

Yes - good idea to use two boxes. It is impossible to get the tree back into the box after you fluff out the branches. I usually put the tree in the box with the lid open and fasten a plastic "lid" out of heavy duty trash liners and duct tape. Two boxes is a better idea.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

Does anyone still use unlit Christmas trees? I'm thinking of buying one for the bonus room this year so that I can put some C7 or C9 multi-colored lights, along with some old fashioned bubble lights. I like the look of the larger lights. I think it gives it more of a traditional/retro look.:christmastree:

My youngest daughter used C7 lights last year but said the electric bill was too high. Her tree was GORGEOUS though!

[MinnesotaMike]

Well...maybe you guys have some ungodly electricity rates where you live, but I can tell you, as someone who uses a LOT of lights, not just for my tree, but for my exterior and my yard, the change in our electric bill from November to December, and then back to January, is barely noticeable. I mean, we're literally talking a difference of maybe $20...if that. It sure seems odd to me that you'd notice a difference just by adding C7s to a tree.

[ornamentmaven]

I live in the NYC suburbs and we have some of the highest utility rates in the country. But - it has never stopped me from using whatever lights I want to use!

[Merry Christmas Darling]

I live in the NYC suburbs and we have some of the highest utility rates in the country. But - it has never stopped me from using whatever lights I want to use!

Her tree was soooo beautiful that I hope she uses those lights again. I think the bill was high because she probably left her lights on all day.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

Well...maybe you guys have some ungodly electricity rates where you live, but I can tell you, as someone who uses a LOT of lights, not just for my tree, but for my exterior and my yard, the change in our electric bill from November to December, and then back to January, is barely noticeable. I mean, we're literally talking a difference of maybe $20...if that. It sure seems odd to me that you'd notice a difference just by adding C7s to a tree.

Shoot! I have it set up so I pay the same amount every month.

[ornamentmaven]

Her tree was soooo beautiful that I hope she uses those lights again. I think the bill was high because she probably left her lights on all day.

I don't like to look at my tree without the lights. So as long as I'm awake and at home - the tree lights are on. I use a lot of lights outside, as well as around windows and the fireplace mantle inside. Just love the lights!

[wstaple]

I don't like to look at my tree without the lights. So as long as I'm awake and at home - the tree lights are on. I use a lot of lights outside, as well as around windows and the fireplace mantle inside. Just love the lights!

We have a rule in our house - whoever gets up first in the morning turns on the tree lights, and whoever goes to bed last turns them off. :christmastree:

[ChantelleJoy]

I use an ancient (read: bought it 10 years ago at a flea market for $10) unlit 5" tree in the bedroom. It gets white mini-lights only.

The big, livingroom tree is unlit - because it's real! I light it with opaque LED C7's multicolours & whites. Best of both worlds, low electricity bill - classic look, no heat! I add a few strings more each year - can never have enough lights!

[ornamentmaven]

Shoot! I have it set up so I pay the same amount every month.

Yes, I am on the budget plan here as well. The usage is reviewed every 6 months and then our charges are re-evaluated. At times I have been paying over $500 per month. Now I'm at $390, but that's going back up to $460 next month! I'm not quiet sure why the increase because we ran under budget this summer. I guess they are anticipating Christmas and another freezing winter! This is one of the reasons I want to sell my house!

[MinnesotaMike]

I use an ancient (read: bought it 10 years ago at a flea market for $10) unlit 5" tree in the bedroom. It gets white mini-lights only.

The big, livingroom tree is unlit - because it's real! I light it with opaque LED C7's multicolours & whites. Best of both worlds, low electricity bill - classic look, no heat! I add a few strings more each year - can never have enough lights!

Whoa! 5"??? That IS teeny!! HAHA!!! LEDs are definitely the way the holiday lighting game is going. Nowadays, you can find replicas of old lights in LED versions all over the place. The price is still a tad high though. Plus, the purist in me still likes the "warm" glow of incandescent.

[ChantelleJoy]

Whoa! 5"??? That IS teeny!! HAHA!!! LEDs are definitely the way the holiday lighting game is going. Nowadays, you can find replicas of old lights in LED versions all over the place. The price is still a tad high though. Plus, the purist in me still likes the "warm" glow of incandescent.

HAHAHAHA OMG NO NO 5'
Whoops.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

I use an ancient (read: bought it 10 years ago at a flea market for $10) unlit 5" tree in the bedroom. It gets white mini-lights only.

The big, livingroom tree is unlit - because it's real! I light it with opaque LED C7's multicolours & whites. Best of both worlds, low electricity bill - classic look, no heat! I add a few strings more each year - can never have enough lights!

I wish I could sit in your living room for a few hours!

[Eric Brown]

Whoa! LED lights decoration look so pretty... We use candles for decorating room, I love the lights coming out of melting candles and sweet scents...

[Merry Christmas Darling]

Does anyone still use unlit Christmas trees? I'm thinking of buying one for the bonus room this year so that I can put some C7 or C9 multi-colored lights, along with some old fashioned bubble lights. I like the look of the larger lights. I think it gives it more of a traditional/retro look.:christmastree:


I love traditional/retro!