Freakin' Christmas Tree

[SkyMaxx]

Two years ago my wife and I decided to take advantage of a post Christmas sale. We purchased a nine foot tall prelit fake tree for $200. It was regularly priced at $800. We got a good deal; considering we usually spend between $75 and $150 for a real tree of that size.

This tree came strung with nearly 2500 lights...believe me it is well lit. My question is this: If you are a professional tree lighter and you know that you are about to string a huge tree with upwards of 25 strands of lights, don't you think you'd use the type of lights that do not take down the whole strand when a single bulb blows?

That's what I assumed had been done, right up until this past weekend. I pulled out the tree and assembled it. Then I plugged the sucker in. Four different strands were out. I checked all plugs and fuses...no problems there. Next came the two hour search for the busted bulb in each strand (and that was using one of those little light testers). Talk about a pain in the ass.

Anyways...got it fixed and decided to share some shots of this monster with the rest of you:

My eldest daughter (2yr) helps decorate for the first time:

Lit for the evening:

Another shot:

 

[Hunter]

Your right it is well lit Looks like a nice tree and from what I can see there paying officers better now

 

[x_789]

Dude man I know what you mean my dad has a tree like that and had a strand go out and he took it to a place to get it fixed and the dude gave him a free string and told him to have fun replacing it. Anyway needlees to say he got it fixed they sure are pretty when they work though. I will refrain from any jokes about your child X

 

[SkyMaxx]

Originally posted by x_789
...I will refrain from any jokes about your child X

That is in your best interest.

Originally posted by Hunter
Your right it is well lit Looks like a nice tree and from what I can see there paying officers better now

Thanks Hunter. And yes, I do get by pretty well on what I am paid.

 

[FastEddy]

Nice tree, Whats on the bottom left?
Looks like a Ragidey Ann Doll hanging from a branch.

I enjoy looking at trees, We had to make a choice, a tree or our cat

 

[SkyMaxx]

The bottom left is a reindeer wearing snow shoes and holding a small tree. He's one of those animatronic things. You plug him into a tree light bulb socket, and he moves his head and arms back and forth. Keeps the cat away and entertains the 2 year old.

 

[mcvickj]

I was going to scold you for not getting a real tree but after seeing the pictures buying a tree that large is probably expensive. We usually go out and get a tree that is between 5 - 6 ft tall. I love the smell of pine trees.

 

[x_789]

dude REAL Tree IS BAD I have severe allergies so no animals no real tree. I can't go in my sisters house from T-Day till After the first when she gets rid of that tree. X

 

[Mayhem]

Nice looking tree!

 

[SkyMaxx]

We used to do real trees each and every year, but as mcvickj observed, they can be costly. This one has already paid for itself with two seasons of use. It has also brought out some interesting frustrations (the reason for this thread being number one amongst them). I will eventually restring the tree myself with better lights (the kind that don't die when one bulb goes bad).

I appreciate all of the nice remarks. Here's wishing everyone's holidays are as bright as my tree.

 

[Mayhem]

Havn't had a fake tree yet in my life.

 

[M@xximillion]

Good looking tree dude, I have a fakie myself, love it. Very easy to maintain, also won't burn the house down
Your daughter is as cute as a button too. THey are great when they are that age, they still believe in Santa!
This year is the year I broke the news to my daughter about the whole Santa thing. Funny, seems they grow up real fast.

Happy Holidays.