The fiber optic Christmas tree is actually a topic I was going to try and at least touch on last year but well, you know me, I didn't get to it in time. However, as the saying goes, better late than never and here it is.
First of all, just in case it isn't apparent, I'll tell you upfront that NASA isn't scrambling to hire me as one of their rocket scientists. Still, I'll take a stab at a fast and dirty explanation of fiber optics, at least as they apply for our subject matter.
Fiber optics are plastic or glass strands, about the thickness of a human hair. If they're made of other materials, I don't know what they are. Anyway, these strands are far more efficient carriers of light than metal and can be used in a variety of ways, including to pretty up your Christmas tree. I know, that doesn't tell you a whole lot but I'll confess that I just shared with you everything I know about them. I did say fast and dirty.
Consumers like fiber optic Christmas trees. They're pretty, convenient and offer a different display from what most of us have lived with all our lives. You know what they say about a change being as good as a rest. It can perk you up to see something new.
I don't own one of these beauties but as I understand it, they come in a ton of sizes yet most people lean towards the smaller ones, or tabletop trees. Not sure why that is but they'll shed a pretty glow, no matter what. Best of all, you won't have to string the lights yourself, which makes them A-okay in my book.
As you can see below in the YouTube video, the actual tree 'needles' light up. I believe that's the fiber optic part of an artificial Christmas tree (yup, NASA should be calling any day now). The owners of this tree have also optioned for a tree that is pre-lit, to add that traditional holiday feel that we all want for the festive season. I mean, really, is it even possible to have too many lights on a Christmas tree? Okay, the Christmas Vacation movie just popped into my head, which could make a case against too much illumination.
If you are thinking about going with a fiber optic Christmas tree this year, I do know that Nextag is selling them. The ones I saw started at around $40 and went up from there to around a couple of hundred dollars for full sized trees.
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