Real Christmas tree decorating is an evening’s entertainment in its own right. At home in London, I have dug out the old decorations, put on a Christmas jumper and found a Santa hat. There are bubbles, mulled wine and mince pies ready, while a virtual fireplace flickers on the television beside the tree.
This archive edit premiered on 9 December 2018. It revisits the previous year’s tree: the original video was uploaded on 3 December 2017, while this version had remained unpublished until its 2018 premiere. The film follows the whole evening, from a tree wrapped in netting to the final star on top.
A smoking Santa and a festive drink
Before I tackle the branches, I bring out a smoking Santa ornament. A little incense gives the decoration its effect, and I hold it up for a closer look. Then it is time to open the bottle and pour a glass. The tree is still tightly wrapped behind me, so there is quite a transformation ahead.
The television fire is part of the fun. It gives the room a festive backdrop while the real work happens beside it. Nothing about the evening is especially formal. I am simply sharing the annual business of getting the tree up and making the room feel ready for Christmas.
Unwrapping the real Christmas tree
Next, I cut away the netting and let the branches spread out. I reckon the tree is about seven feet tall. Once it opens, you can see why I need a step stool to reach the upper branches. First, though, I tidy up the wrapping and get the decorations ready.
There is a satisfying change between the narrow bundle at the start and the full tree standing in the corner. With its branches free, it finally looks ready for the boxes of colour waiting nearby. I plan to show the decorating in time-lapse, but stop first to share what is in those boxes.
Baubles, stars and decorations collected over the years
These are decorations I have collected over time. I open a tin, then a big old shoebox, showing baubles, stars and the lights. There is also a bag of assorted Christmas bits, including snow spray and a snow globe. Some of the contents are dusty after their time in storage.
My approach is a cheerful mixture of colours and familiar ornaments. Red and gold sit alongside silver tinsel and coloured lights. Christmas gives me an excuse to enjoy all of it together. The old description called it Victorian excess, which captures the mood better than any carefully matched colour scheme.
Christmas tree decorating, with a mince pie break
Now the time-lapse takes over. We move around the tree, hanging decorations and arranging tinsel across the branches. The bare green gradually fills with baubles, sparkle and light. Meanwhile, the fire continues on the television beside us.
Halfway through, I stop for a mince pie. It is a brief and very welcome interruption, then I go straight back to the tree. The film keeps that little pause in the middle of the work, along with the less polished moments of reaching, adjusting and deciding where the next decoration should go.
Lights on and the final star
Finally, the decorating is nearly finished. I give the camera a look at the lights, then realise the top of the tree is too high for the shot. After moving the camera, I climb up to add the star. I save that decoration until last and take a moment to get it straight.
With the star in place, the real Christmas tree is ready. I finish by wishing everyone a happy, healthy and very merry Christmas. For another side of the season, the December in London film heads outdoors to the city’s trees, rinks and markets.
Watch the Christmas tree decorating film
Watch the full archive edit below for the decorations, the time-lapse and the finished tree. It is a small glimpse of Christmas at home between the walks and festive events around London.
