Do you put Christmas lights on before or after decorations?

Yes, you should put Christmas lights on before ornaments. This is the most common and efficient way to decorate your Christmas tree.

Here are a few reasons why:

• It's easier to wrap lights around a bare tree. Once you've hung ornaments on the tree, it can be difficult to find space to wrap the lights. Ornaments can also get in the way and make it harder to get a good even coverage of lights.
• You're less likely to break ornaments. Ornaments can be fragile, and it's easy to accidentally bump them and break them when you're trying to wrap lights around the tree. By putting the lights on first, you can avoid this risk.
• You can create a more even and balanced distribution of lights. If you put the lights on after the ornaments, you may find that some areas of the tree are well-lit and others are not. By putting the lights on first, you can ensure that the entire tree is evenly lit.

Here are a few tips for putting Christmas lights on your tree:

• Before beginning lights installation, be sure to plug in each string of lights to verify they are fully functional.
• Start at the top of the tree and work your way down. This will make it easier to see how the lights look and to avoid tangling the cords. 
• Wrap the lights around the tree in a spiral pattern. This will help to create a more even distribution of light.
• Tuck the lights into the branches of the tree so that they are not hanging loose. This will make the tree look more polished and will also help to prevent the lights from getting damaged.
• Use a ladder or step stool to reach the higher branches of the tree. Do not stand on a chair or table, as this is a safety hazard.

One of our favorite pro-tips is to wrap one or two strings of lights around the very center of the Christmas tree before installing the bulk of lights at the outer 1/3 of the tree. This internal installation highlights the tree and provides plenty fill light to glow from the trunk - whether real or artificial. 

If you follow these tips, you'll be able to put Christmas lights on your tree quickly and easily. And, your tree will look its best!