Strange sells–even when it comes to the time-honored Christmas tree. Upside-down trees are making their mark this year, but the fad is actually a resurgence of a 12th Century tradition from Central Europe.
“Response has been awesome,” says Bill Quinn, owner of christmastreeforme.com, which sells the oddballs. The company already has sold out of its 5-foot upside-down ceiling tree, he said.
The topsy-turvy tree is only one of many oddities you can find online this year. Look for spiral, one-sided, even a “canopy tree” with branches on the upper half of the tree so you save space and display your favorite ornaments for eye-level viewing.
Have a bizarre Christmas
– Christmas Tree for Me: You’ll find natural-trunk trees, slim trees, trees by heights and white and multi-colored trees. Prices for upside-down trees range from $280 to $504, spiral trees are $136 to $370; at christmastreeforme.com.
– Hecht’s: The online site has several small and large, already decorated trees, such as a 6-foot Lavender Spruce Pre-Lit Tree for $149.99; hechts.com.
– Target: The 7-foot upside-down tree is prelit with 460 lights,$399; at target.com.
– Urban Outfitters: Get an exact replica of the forlorn tree from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” lone red ornament and all for $24. In case the site, urbn.com, is sold out, both Chicago store locations expect them in stock by Monday.
Tips for fresh
Christmas trees
If you haven’t already run out to a corner lot, supermarket and department store to buy your Christmas tree, here are some tips from the National Christmas Tree Association to help your tree last through the holidays. The cost of a Christmas tree can vary based on color and shape, but the average cost of a tree is $7 to $9 per foot.
– Make sure the tree you want to buy is fresh. Grab a branch of the tree between your thumb and forefinger and gently pull on it: If the tree is fresh, very few needles will come off in your hand.
– Keep the fresh-cut end of the tree damp or in water until you get the tree home, and make sure the tree has plenty of water every day. A stand that holds at least a gallon of water is recommended.
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– Your tree should be kept away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators and TV sets. Any lights, electrical cords and electric ornaments should be checked to make sure they are in working order.
Easy tree care
Tired of crawling under your Christmas tree to water it, then spilling water on the floor and having to rearrange the presents? The Ever-Green Watering System consists of a siphon attached at one end to your Christmas-tree stand and at the other to a container disguised as a Christmas present. The “present” is filled with water, which runs through the siphon into the tree stand. $19.99; at evergreenseasons.com.