So, you've picked the perfect Christmas tree, you've put it in the Christmas tree stand (and filled it with water), you've got all your Christmas tree lights organized and ready to go -- just one more thing:
It will be a lot easier if you give yourself 1-2 feet of clearance between the tree and and the wall. More if you are Rubenesque like moi, and less if you've got a child helping you. This way you can get all the way around the Christmas tree with the Christmas tree lights. Let me repeat -- 1 to 2 feet of clearance between the tree and the wall, so your husband/boyfriend/dad/son has plenty of room to move around to the back of the tree.
While it's not really necessary to put ornaments on the "wall" side of your Christmas tree, you really do need some lights. You want the lights to shine through the tree and your ornaments.
And finally, one last word of advice: if you have a tree topper, don't wrap the very tip-top of the Christmas tree (also called the "spire") with lights. And if your tree topper lights up, give the tree topper is own place on the power strip. They use more energy than regular strands of lights.
The Dyno Swivel Straight Christmas Tree Stand aka The One Minute Christmas Tree Stand
You've seen this Christmas tree stand advertised on TV. You're probably even familiar with the catch phrase, "Clamp it! Raise it! Swivel it straight!" But there IS a problem with this Christmas tree stand! It's so popular that it sells out very early in the holiday season and those who desperately want one, find themselves left out in the cold, or purchasing a stand that they THINK is the Swivel Straight Christmas Tree Stand.
There is only one One Minute Tree Stand, but it comes in two sizes. Don't confuse THIS Christmas stand with the Christmas Genie by Krinner OR the Wonderstand by Dalen. Both of those are fine products, but they are NOT the Swivel Straight Christmas Tree Stand.
I spent quite a bit of time trying to find the original ad shown on TV, but it seems like it's been pulled from YouTube, perhaps in preparation for a new one. But here is a "home made" video that shows you how the Swivel Straight Christmas Tree Stand works:
The One Minute Tree Stand is of polymer construction. What I like about it is that it comes in two parts: the cup or receptacle that is slid onto the trunk of the Christmas tree while the tree is still laying on the ground. Then the tree and unit are lifted and set into the actual stand where the tree is then straightened, which means minimal time spent laying on the floor, screwing and unscrewing bolts and brackets etc.
The bases on both sizes of The Swivel Straight Christmas Tree Stand are 20 inches wide. The XTS3 model weighs an adequate 10 pounds while the XTS1 weighs in at 13.8 pounds.
Some of the remarks I've read state that they had they're first Swivel Straight for 10 or 15 years and they loved it so much they bought another one. To me, that translates that this is NOT a lifetime Christmas tree stand, but the fans are so adamant that it's a non-issue. They are in a panic to find another one right away.
Remarks and Reviews:
"This is the best Christmas tree stand ever. It is so easy to use and saves so much time. Our trees have always been straight too."
"This is the best thing I have ever purchased at Christmas."
"Durable."
"Easy to use."
"Attractive."
"Fun to use."
"It's great to find a product that is so well engineered."
"Best stand ever."
"It is wonderful."
"We recommend it to everyone who asks."
"This is the best Christmas tree stand ever made. I will never use a different one."
"No tears or cursing involved."
"With this stand it is so easy to put up, twist or turn, that it is almost fun. Everyone is happy."
The process of "putting up the Christmas tree" has probably caused more marital fights, stress and hurt feelings than every other part of the holiday season combined. It was during our first Christmas as newly weds back in 1977 that I realized that my handsome, grown up, ex-Navy Seal, strong, calm, handy husband was an -- ummmm -- Christmas tree erection challenged. I learned that he had no idea what "a little to the left" meant, nor was he able to take instruction OR construction criticism. I learned that "good enough" is not anywhere near to being acceptable.
As I sat on the couch and watched him manhandle the Christmas tree, I realized that maybe I would have to let go of the antique Christmas tree stand that had held all my childhood Christmas trees and replace it with something newer, something better. Which we did -- he did -- in 2009.
A word about Christmas Tree Stands: While most folks head for the stores the day after Thanksgiving to start their Christmas shopping, most don't really think about the Christmas tree stand until right about the time they are getting ready to put up the tree. If you wait until mid-December to purchase a new stand, there is a good chance you won't be finding one. In large metropolitan areas, the best models of Christmas tree stands are sold out by the first week of December.
The best time to buy a Christmas tree stand is right after Christmas, when the stores are dumping inventory just so they don't have to store it or look at it until next October. We got our Santa's Last Stand at Home Depot for $10 ... in late February. Of course these good deals will be last year's models, but I've found that most manufacturers do not overhaul their Christmas tree stand designs every year.
If you're looking for a good deal, don't forget to check out the Craig's List in your area and also flea markets and garage sales as well as Ebay.
While compiling research for writing my 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review, I rated the stands by the following criteria:
Durability
Appearance
Cost
Availability
Ease of use
Water capacity
Size of tree that the stand can handle, both in height and diameter of the trunk
Warranty
Customer satisfaction
I've tried to find worthy Christmas tree stands to fit every budget as well as stands that are readily available across the United States.
Prices for Christmas tree stands are starting to fluctuate as we get closer to the Christmas season. I've done my best to keep the prices currant, but these could change daily.
As I write this blog post, there seems to be several "Last Stand" Christmas tree stands:
Bowling's Last Stand
Santa's Last Stand
Santa's Last Christmas Tree Stand
Grinnen's Last Stand
The companies Jack Post and Great Tidings have several stands available not only on line but in retail stores across the country. Some are really good, and some are really, really bad. Make sure you get the right model number. And if you're buying online, take a few minutes to read the reviews and ratings as well. They could save you some money and a ton of headaches.
And while we're on the subject of Christmas tree stands -- wouldn't a Christmas tree stand be a freakin' great wedding or anniversary gift? I know! Is it even possible to register for a Christmas tree stand? Even if the young bridal couple doesn't think that far in advance, they will remember you and sing your praises every Christmas!
When choosing a Christmas tree stand, The National Christmas Tree Association recommends that your stand should be able to hold one quart of water for every one inch of tree diameter.
No matter what stand you chose, sticking the Christmas tree trunk in a large galvanized horse feed bucket, filled with rocks, then suspending the tree from the ceiling with fishing line and an eye hook is NEVER an acceptable alternative. I'm just saying.
