Fiber Optic Christmas Tree

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.

Unwind with Prelit Christmas Trees

I remember when I was little, watching my mother string large, colourful lights onto the Christmas tree. She'd wind them around and around until she either reached the top or ran out. If she ran out, then she'd have to unwrap them from the tree and start again. Today, my mother wouldn't have to go to all that trouble, thanks to nifty little inventions called prelit Christmas trees.

I'm not sure which benefit of having an artificial prelit Christmas tree I like the idea of best. I mean, sure the lights are typically all of the mini variety and usually clear but hey, I happen to like the clear mini-lights. Besides, the trees usually have a ton of lights on them for a fully, pretty look. Naturally, the best thing of all is the fact that I don't have to put lights on the tree because it's already done and done well at that.

Pre-lit Christmas Trees

As with most kinds of artificial Christmas trees, the prelit variety is available in a myriad of sizes, colours and features.

These are just a few that are available on the market today:

• Prelit Pull up Christmas Trees
• Collapsable Christmas Prelit Trees
• Pre-Lit Flocked Alaskan Artificial Tree
• Prelit Silver Laser Tinsel Artificial Christmas Tree - Clear Lights
• 7.5' Slim Green Pencil Pine Artificial Christmas Tree6 foot Slim No. 2 Pencil Artificial Christmas Tree with Clear Lights

Some of these are pretty funky. Check out the pencil tree. I'd never seen one of those. Think I still prefer a fuller one myself.

If you're one of those purchasing prelit Christmas trees this year, I know that you're going to love not having to wind lights around branches anymore.