Setting Up Artificial Tree

this is my business office artificial christmas tree that stays up all year. the ornaments are customer gifts. flowers on either side are geraniums. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Setting Up Artificial Christmas Tree

Setting up an artificial tree can be a challenge especially if you have young children and pets. And by pets I mean specifically cats.

Choose a good location: Select a spot in your home that's spacious enough to accommodate the tree and where it can be easily seen. Ensure there's an electrical outlet nearby for lights and that it’s not close to heat sources. If you have pets, tie up the tree to something stable: a pole works. You can also place the tree in a room corner where the tree can be tied with fishing line to two opposite hooks, or add the back of a chair next to the tree for support.

Tie Up the tree: See item 1. I really mean it. If you are new to the cat world, it’s about to be changed especially if you don’t do this. Most cats see Christmas trees as giant toys.

Assemble the tree: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembling your artificial tree. You can also buy wonderful pre-loved trees at thrift stores, already assembled. Typically you will start with the base and work your way up, connecting different sections. Make sure all the branches are properly fluffed and arranged to give the tree a full appearance. Periodically check for visitors. My all white cat Margaret used to
"hide" among the limbs and reach out to anyone walking by.

Ensure stability: Once assembled, ensure the tree is stable and secure. Adjust the base and branches as needed to make sure it stands straight and doesn't wobble. Wobbling will be greatly reduced when you remove the cats.

Add lights: Test the lights before putting them on the tree to ensure they're working properly. If your tree doesn't come pre-lit, start by stringing the lights. I like to start at the top so the end of the lights are close to the plug-in. Observe how your cats react to the lights; make sure they are not being chewed with admiration.

Add decorations: After the lights are in place, it's time to add ornaments, garlands, and other decorations. Add the garland or ribbon first. Then add larger or heavier decorations; fill in with smaller ones. Be creative and add a variety of colors and textures, and don’t forget ornaments with sentimental value. If you have pets, don’t use silver garland or tinsel. Pets may eat those and need a vet visit to remove.

I also place unbreakable ornaments on the bottom within paw distance.

Top it off: Finish the tree by adding a tree topper. Common choices include stars, angels, bows - at my house it’s Santa mouse.

Fluff and adjust: Once everything is on the tree, step back and take a look. Adjust any branches or decorations that might be out of place. Some people are very picky, others just enjoy the view. If there is a disagreement, go get a cup of hot chocolate. Is it really worth fighting over?

Tree skirt or stand: Place a tree skirt around the base of the tree to cover the stand. I use a basket. If you don’t have a tree skirt, use a towel, sheet or old sweatshirt. No one cares, honestly. Won’t it soon be covered in gifts and napping cats?

Check for Cats: Inevitably you will have a cat or four in your new play toy - I mean, Christmas tree. That’s why unbreakable ornaments go on the bottom at my house, those seem to beckon my feline crew to mischief. My tree is also attached to a wall hook and away from nearby surfaces my cats can use as jumping off points. During the holidays I also know I can find my cats napping under the tree, sometimes on top of gift boxes so I have a few decoys for napping spots.

Cat tree: Years ago, I gave up and gave my cat Margaret her own Christmas tree with one sole white bird ornament. She loved to hide in it and swat at passersby and yes, she left my other Christmas tree alone.

Enjoy: now fix the hot chocolate and see if you can spot the cats in, and under your tree!

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Charlotte