I bought a plain wreath yesterday, from a small garden centre. They had some acceptable trees left - no Frasers - and I thought I might go there next year for a real tree
This morning DH put the lights on the tree and I brought the boxes of decorations downstairs. I had bits to do first, so it was afternoon by the time I was ready to decorate.
I started by sweeping up the needles from the lights, and discovered a spreading pool of water. DH had been a bit over zealous watering the tree this morning
As I cleaned it up, it crossed my mind that this wouldn't happen with a fake tree.
I was careful with the decorations. The glass ornaments stayed in the box this year. DH had to do an ornament hospital for me. One of the glass cat baubles had a broken ear; Rocky the Rooster has come off his bell; a gingerbread hen had lost her hanging hook.
I had had enough after about an hour, so I tidied away. I can always add more tomorrow.
I put the newly enlarged cat ball tracks under the tree, chuckling at myself What could possibly go wrong as I know perfectly well how reckless that was.
I stood back to take a picture and noticed one of the lights was flickering I called DH, who pointed out several more. This wouldn't happen with a fake pre lit tree, the inner voice whispered.
We discussed options. Take the lights off: No. Id have to undecorate the tree first and then redecorate it; . Turn them off and leave them off; Put another set of lights on. Get a replacement controller .
I'm not too bothered
Update: DH put an additional short set of warm white lights on the front of the tree.
