Hanging Holiday Lights

Step One

Set up your tree in a tree stand.

Step Two

Get out all your Christmas lights. Join the strings together and test the lights by plugging them into the wall. Replace any dead or dying bulbs and check the cord for damage.

Step Three

Unplug the cord.

Step Four

Climb on a chair or stepladder, if necessary, and attach the socket end of the cord to the top of the tree.

Step Five

Walking around the tree, wrap the cord into the branches in a gradually lowering spiral. Make sure the cord will plug into the electrical socket, using an extension cord if necessary.

Step Six

Evaluate the lights: Are the rows basically even? Will the whole tree be lit? Adjust as necessary.

Step Seven

With additional lights, repeat your spiral pattern, attaching the cord to the branches (if possible). Hide the cord as much as possible.