The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Tree Decorating Fails

Learn how to take your Christmas tree decorating to the next level by doing everything wrong! Follow these absurd steps for a tree that will be the talk of the town.
The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Tree Decorating Fails

How NOT to Decorate a Christmas Tree in 3 Ridiculous Steps

Decorating a Christmas tree is a time-honored tradition in many households. According to a survey from the American Christmas Tree Association, over 94 million households in the United States displayed a Christmas tree in 2021. The elements that go into decorating a Christmas tree - lights, garland, tinsel, and ornaments - are familiar to nearly everyone. But when it comes to creating a holiday tree that expresses your style, personality, heritage, and surroundings, the options are virtually limitless.

The best Christmas trees are filled with layer upon layer of memories, traditions, and ornaments - both handcrafted and store-bought. Not sure how you want to decorate your tree this year? We have plenty of Christmas tree theme ideas and handmade ornament ideas that let you put a personal touch on your holiday decor.

Once you’ve found your inspiration, follow our three ridiculous steps for decorating a Christmas tree in the most absurd way possible.

Step 1: Tangle Christmas Tree Lights

The first step in how NOT to decorate a Christmas tree is tangling the lights. Forget about neatly wrapping them around the tree; just throw them on in a chaotic mess. Make sure to mix different colored lights for that extra confusing effect. Remember, the more tangled, the better!

Types of Christmas Lights to Avoid

  • Traditional Incandescent Lights
  • LED Lights
  • Globe Lights
  • Bubble Lights

Step 2: Drown the Tree in Tinsel

Instead of delicately draping tinsel on the branches, drown the tree in a sea of tinsel. The goal is to completely obscure the tree itself. You want your tree to look like a shimmering tinsel monster that devoured a disco ball.

Step 3: Hang Random Objects as Ornaments

Who needs traditional ornaments when you can hang random household items on your tree? Grab that old spatula, a pair of mismatched socks, and a rubber duck - anything goes! The more nonsensical, the better. Your tree will be the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons.

This holiday season, break all the decorating rules and create a Christmas tree that will leave your guests speechless (or laughing).