The Christmas tree we have was purchased by my parents the first year that Zack and I were going out. {2001} So the Christmas tree is well, fairly old. If you ever had a strand of Christmas lights you know that they don’t last 8 years.
For the past two years we have sat with a new strand of lights replacing bulbs on various portions of the tree. This isn’t a fun nor easy task. Just so ya know…You must…
- Take out non lit bulb.
- Test non lit bulb on light tester.
- If bulb works, replace and move on to the next. If bulb is out…You have to remove new bulb and replace it with the new one.
- Put bulb back on tree and move on.
Yes, our tree is one of those that if one bulb goes out the branch or section will remain lit. What they forget to tell you if numerous bulbs are out the whole branch or section will go out too. So then you must sit with a tester and a new strand of lights and test away and replace until the section lights back up.
{don’t know if you can see the branches that are out or not, it’s really noticeable in person. We aren’t fluffing until we’re down either}
Two years in a row we say as we are doing this “next year we will get a new tree”. We go tree hunting every year and can never find one that I am satisfied with. They just aren’t made like they were 8 years ago. Most now are all more slim in profile and the needles just aren’t full and lush like this one. So, we will sit yearly on our bottoms half the day replacing lights until there is a tree out there that compares to the one that we have now.
So while the kids are home today from school, I will sit and test and replace bulbs until my fingers are numb.
Is your tree up yet?
11 comments:
It definitely sounds like a LOT of work trying to find and replace light bulbs on the tree. Our tree is about 15 years old but not pre-lit so we have to put our lights on it every year. I have wanted a prelit one but I have heard so many stories about the lights that we may just keep ours till it falls apart! We won't put ours up until Thanksgiving weekend. That will be plenty long enough for me with my wild cat antics with the tree!!!
That is a nice tree and you are right, they just don't make them like they used to. We have been in the same boat trying to find the perfect tree (without having to take out a loan!)
I'm hoping to get a couple of mine up soon. You inspire me!
Hey, about the clear paint pails...I got mine at Ben Franklins craft store... I have seen them at Jo-Ann's and if you go to my blog to the right under crafts, you will see decorated paint pails: In there is a link to buying them online.
Have a Merry week!
Robin~♥
You are so right about them not making trees like they used to! We bought a tree with lights built into from Lowes just a year ago and within a week one of the strands stopped working. I just don't have the patience to sit and figure out where it's at so I try and put that side of the tree towards a wall hoping no one notices. Anyway great tree and WTG on getting it up. I still have a few Halloween things to put away!
oh goodness...i'm sure that task is redonkulous. Prelit trees can be such a pain! I don't think I have the patience LOL - I can see it now...not plugging the lights in and just wrapping several new strands on top of the unlit bulbs is what I would do haha! Ummmm I gotta find a christmas tree asap!
Lots of work but I remember my parents doing this years ago when I was at home...years I said...
Nope haven't put mine up yet...I guess I will do it next weekend since it will be a long one.
I want a real one this year in the dining room but I do have one of those slim trees and a silver tree. I also picked up a purple tree for Lexi's room this past weekend so yeah I guess you could say we do have one up now...She was bound and determine to get hers up last week.
Since my living room is small I LOVE my slim line (not too skinny) pre-lit tree I purchased a few years ago at the after holiday sales. I am already planning it for this year. It's been gold for several years now and I want to change up the 'theme' but on a BUDGET. I have something in mind and am itching to get started. But I've never put a tree up before Thanksgiving. Since my family is coming for Thanksgiving AND my house is small...guess I should wait til at least that weekend. Then it's happening!
I always HATED checking lights!
Sounds like lots of work...I much admire you for putting in such dedication on something that obviously means so much to you. We don't put our tree up until Thanksgiving Day. I'm so excited! This is the first year that we will be in our new house and able to decorate. :) Bring on the Holidays!!
I am planning to get mine up this weekend or next. I want to be able to enjoy it. The holidays always go by so fast!!
We finally bought a new tree. It was on sale but I won't put it up till Dec. I love the colored lights!
No. Not yet. I decided to wait until closer to Thanksgiving. My son said today, "It isn't fair that the stores have Christmas stuff out and we have to wait until Thanksgiving!" I pondered getting it out but it is quite a project! I bought my tree a little over a decade ago. It is beautiful and looks real. I haven't seen anything as nice either. How long do they last? :)
That sounds completely miserable, lol. We finally replaced our $60 Walmart tree last year. Found a good deal on a pre-lot at Lowe's. Ours will go up on Black Friday.
I got the necklace! Thank you again!
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