Lighting Up Traditions: Pre-Lit Trees to Cherish for Years to Come
Embracing the Magic of Christmas Past
As a holiday decorator with over 20 years of experience, I’ve found that the most meaningful traditions often stem from our fondest childhood memories. For me, the magic of Christmas truly began when my mom would bring down the boxes of seasonal decor from the garage rafters each November. My siblings and I would eagerly tear into those treasures, rediscovering ornaments and trinkets from Christmases past. The warm glow of holiday candles and the twinkling lights of our ceramic Christmas village never failed to fill us with a sense of wonder and excitement for the season ahead.
But the absolute best part was when we gathered as a family to decorate the tree. I can still remember sitting around the table after Thanksgiving dinner, sipping hot cocoa and hanging ornaments as Christmas carols played softly in the background. Even though our tree was up before the big day, it never took away from our Thanksgiving celebration – in fact, it only added to the cozy, festive atmosphere.
Now, as an adult with a family of my own, I’m proud to say that I’ve carried on that same tradition. Our girls get just as giddy as I did when they unpack the boxes and see all the familiar ornaments. And there’s nothing quite like the joy of watching them carefully place each one, their eyes shining with delight.
Choosing the Perfect Pre-Lit Tree
When I was asked to be the Balsam Hill brand ambassador this year, I was beyond honored. Their trees are truly the best on the market – realistic, easy to assemble, and packed with thoughtful features that make decorating a breeze.
For our home, I selected a few different styles to suit the various rooms and vibes I was going for. In our cozy bedroom nook, the Frosted Alpine Balsam Fir is an absolute dream. I love the whimsical, almost Charlie Brown-esque look of this slender, delicate tree. And the Easy Plug™ with Clear LED Fairy Lights is a total game-changer – no more tangled cords or struggling to get the lights just right. You simply insert the sections together and voila, instant illumination! It creates such a warm, magical glow that’s perfect for curling up with a good book.
In our master bedroom, I wanted a tree that felt straight out of a fairy tale. To achieve that enchanted look, I kept the decor and embellishments minimal but impactful, using the Midnight Frost and Winter Wishes ornament sets. The range of muted and bold tones gives the tree a beautifully full, layered appearance without being overwhelming. And the double-sided mirrored star topper is a real showstopper – you can position it exactly where you want it for maximum impact.
Embracing the Imperfect Beauty
One of my other favorite Balsam Hill trees is the European Fir. I’m in love with the wide, full base that tapers towards the top – it allows natural light to peek through while still maintaining that classic Christmas tree silhouette. In fact, I was so enamored with this particular tree that I couldn’t resist the opportunity to photograph it in our newly built Tuff-Shed. The contrast of the rugged, unfinished space with the warm, glowing tree creates such a magical scene.
Now, I know not everyone shares my affinity for wild, untamed trees. In fact, when we moved to our new home this year, I initially had visions of dragging in a massive evergreen that would dominate our living room. But then reality set in – with a curious toddler in the house, that would’ve been a recipe for disaster! Instead, I opted for a charming 3-foot tabletop tree from the grocery store. It may not be as grand as our past adventures, but my big kids still love decorating it together. And seeing my youngest daughter carefully place the crocheted angel topper (a cherished heirloom from my late Nanny) was a moment I’ll treasure forever.
The Beauty of Letting Go
The truth is, traditions don’t have to be set in stone. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from embracing change and finding new ways to celebrate. Whether it’s a smaller tree, fewer decorations, or a simplified holiday schedule, don’t be afraid to let go of what no longer serves you.
In my experience, the holidays are already so overwhelming – there’s no need to add unnecessary stress or pressure. Focus on the traditions that truly bring your family joy, and let the rest go. For us, that meant forgoing the big tree hunt this year in favor of a low-maintenance tabletop version. And you know what? It was perfect.
So as you plan your holiday decorating this season, I encourage you to approach it with an open heart and mind. Cherish the memories of Christmases past, but be willing to create new traditions that fit your family’s unique needs and rhythms. After all, the magic of the season isn’t found in perfect Pinterest-worthy displays – it’s in the laughter, the togetherness, and the memories you make along the way.
And if you’re looking for a tree that will bring that magic to life year after year, I can’t recommend Balsam Hill enough. Their pre-lit, easy-to-assemble options make decorating a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones. Visit artificialchristmastreeshop.com to explore their stunning selection and start planning your most magical Christmas yet!
