We are now well into the holiday season, so there is no better time than now to get your pre-lit Christmas tree.
Here are a few suggestions for how you might cut costs during the buying process.
Never buy more than you need.
Invest in a tall tree that requires many lights if you expect a large number of guests throughout the holidays. If your holiday gatherings will just include members of your immediate family, though, you can save money by purchasing a smaller tree that requires less lights. That way, you can save money on the tree and electricity by turning off the lights when they aren’t in use.
Keep an eye out for in-store discounts.
At this time of year, pre-lit Christmas trees may be found at steep discounts at big box stores like Target and Walmart. You need act quickly if you want to secure one, as supplies are limited. Discover the customary dates that these stores decorate for the holidays, and schedule your visit accordingly to avoid missing out on any sales.
Get a dwarf tree.
Before purchasing a tree from a store, make sure you know exactly how big it will be. There will be more trimming and shaping to do if it’s too big for your home or apartment. If you’re able to, you can also remove some branches from your tree at home, but this should be done with caution.
Join a Buyer’s Club.
You can save money on pre-lit Christmas trees and other products by joining the National Christmas Tree Association’s Buyer’s Club. The group also provides a number of resources to educate consumers about the necessity of purchasing locally grown trees and the benefits to the environment, such as how-to films, booklets, and other information.
Think of alternatives to genuine trees.
Artificial ones don’t smell like pine or shed needles all over your living room when you’re trying to relax with your family on Christmas Eve night, and they’re more affordable than ever. If you don’t want to deal with the clutter and extra work that comes with putting away holiday decorations each year, you may always go for real plants instead.
Take your shopping online
Shopping online for pre-lit Christmas trees rather than at big-box retailers like Lowe’s or Home Depot is another popular option to save money. They can see many different possibilities at once, saving them time and effort from having to drive all around town.
With the help of services like Google Shopping, they can quickly and simply compare costs from various retailers.
Spend wisely; wait for the right time of year.
The best time to buy a tree is when it is in season. In general, pre-lit Christmas trees have the best prices in the beginning of November and the highest prices in the middle of December, particularly after the Thanksgiving holiday. Keep in mind that by mid-December, some stores may have already sold out of specific sizes, so you may want to hurry.
Get a tree without lights and put up your own decorations.
There is absolutely no shame in taking this route if you are so inclined and able to do so. Keep your tree’s ornaments simple so that they may be removed after Christmas without causing any harm to the tree’s needles or limbs.