pre-lit Christmas trees

[suzyjazz]

Auuuggghhhh how in the world do you get all the plugs connected correctly? I can't ever do this. Usually my husband takes pity on me after awhile, connects them all, and manages to get all but one section lit, andthat's good enough for me.

Does anyone have the magic secret? It's like a Rubix cube.

Thank you for the vent. I haven't done a lot of decorating last year so this year I thought I'd try to get more enjoyment out of it, that is, after I'm finished!

[Disney Chick]

I don't know any secrets, but I don't want to buy a pre-lit tree now.

[boxofrocks]

Do what we do. Buy the lights on sale after Christmas for about a buck a pack. Buy a real tree, and when Christmas is over, take off the ornaments and dump the rest--lights and all.

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by boxofrocks

Do what we do. Buy the lights on sale after Christmas for about a buck a pack. Buy a real tree, and when Christmas is over, take off the ornaments and dump the rest--lights and all.

I don't want to generate that waste. You're right, though -- it would solve *this* problem!

[JamesB]

Originally Posted by suzyjazz

I don't want to generate that waste. You're right, though -- it would solve *this* problem!

there are tree recycling programs, but usually you have tou have your tree out on the curb a few days after x-mas, which is not good for most people. my wife wants to keep the tree up until new years day.

some of the trees go down to galveston to help build up the sand dunes and others probablly get turned into paper or other products.

James

[JamesB]

Originally Posted by JamesB

there are tree recycling programs, but usually you have tou have your tree out on the curb a few days after x-mas, which is not good for most people. my wife wants to keep the tree up until new years day.

some of the trees go down to galveston to help build up the sand dunes and others probablly get turned into paper or other products.

James

here is last years list of recycle places and dates. I was wrong they went until the 9th of January this year.

http://www.click2houston.com/holiday...94/detail.html

James

[Roadrnr]

Personally, I leave them all connected except where the tree goes together. Makes life a lot easier for the next year.

I love the fake trees, its a lot cheaper in the long run and the good ones look just as good as a real tree.

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by JamesB

there are tree recycling programs....

If they'll still recycle it with the lights on, then that's cool. I just didn't think they would appreciate that.

Originally Posted by Roadrnr

Personally, I leave them all connected except where the tree goes together. Makes life a lot easier for the next year.

We should do that. We try to smush our tree up to save space, but I really don't know why they have been disconnected every year! I just never thought aboout trying to keep most of them hooked up. That will change.

[jw001]

There are little tags that identify which plug goes where. Just don't cut them off!
Happy Holidays.
Jeff

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by jw001

There are little tags that identify which plug goes where. Just don't cut them off!
Happy Holidays.
Jeff

Sadly, not on my tree. I see stickers on 2 of them. One says "20" and another says "B46." I'm not kidding! The only other markings or tags are electricity/safety related.

[Wes]

I have a 9' tree from Lowe's that is pre-lit with 1,700 lights. Basically, when I put it up I find every male end that I can and plug it into any old female end that I find. If I have left over male ends I just run an extension cord up the middle. Viola! All sections light.

[Roadrnr]

Originally Posted by suzyjazz

We should do that. We try to smush our tree up to save space, but I really don't know why they have been disconnected every year! I just never thought aboout trying to keep most of them hooked up. That will change.

I also learned from my Mom. I keep the original box the tree comes in, that way I can stuff it back in the same box. Then throw the whole thing up in the attic.

Originally Posted by Wes

I have a 9' tree from Lowe's that is pre-lit with 1,700 lights. Basically, when I put it up I find every male end that I can and plug it into any old female end that I find. If I have left over male ends I just run an extension cord up the middle. Viola! All sections light.

I hate to tell you this Wes, but it sounds like your tree is full of slutty males that just stick it into any female that comes along

[bands321]

Once they are all plugged in and you know they work, use something to identify each plug. (I used different colors of fingernail polish and made lines on each side that connect each plug) Each year, I set it up, look for the matching colors and VIOLA :)

I LOVE real trees, but after spending $$$ on one in 2003, that was it.

[Spec A!]

Wow I've never had this issue on the few pre lits we've had over the years- typically there's a group of plugs where the tree sections connect and it's pretty self explanatory- just like each tree section plugs into the other, the lights on our have always been grouped to continue in the same fashion.

[andyz]

Assemble the tree and plug the nearest male into the nearest female. On ours, as I recall one set is piggy-backed where there are two males.

No worries. If you plug them and they don't work, unplug and try it again a different way. You won't hurt anything.

Listen to Christmas music as you put it up and think about the great picture you'll take of it when it is done.