Traditions of Glow

I got my tree the other day—and by “got,” I mean I opened the door when my oldest son brought my tree in.

The Sume’s are big on tradition. For the last three years, the tree-getting tradition has morphed into my tree being delivered to me, securely affixed in its stand, and the lights applied utilizing teamwork. It’s a pretty sweet tradition in my opinion, one that warms my heart.

I believe in lots of lights on the tree—and I mean LOTS--1,700 this year.  More is always better. I’m a firm believer that you can’t judge what you can’t see and that glare is now your new best friend. So, your tree may have a few branches that aren’t located in the optimal position, so what? If you’re generous with the lights everything else becomes less important. And less visible. The tree’s glow, however, will be visible from outer space.

But Sue, I hear you asking, how will I know I have enough lights on my tree?

That’s simple—apply all the strands of lights you have. Now step back, squint your eyes and look for any dark spots. If you see any, go get more lights and apply them to the dark areas. Lather. Rinse. Repeat as necessary. Figure at least 100 lights per foot of tree. Now double it. AT LEAST. More is better. Too much doesn’t exist. If you’re really smart you will have stocked up on Christmas lights at last year’s after Christmas sales.

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I don’t always “string” the lights on my tree—I often bunch them. And by bunch them, I mean I basically leave them in the loop I took them of the tree last year in. And by loop a mean wad. I then take that wad ‘o lights and stuff them between the thicker branches and artistically fluff the wad ‘o lights around the trunk of the tree. Repeat this technique up the length of the tree. Follow up by “stringing” lights on the outer branches. Easy, peasy, done. Guaranteed to give your tree that out of this world glow—just don’t forget to wear sunblock.