Pokemon Christmas Tree Decorating: Lights & Ornaments
This guide walks you through decorating a Christmas tree with Pokemon ornaments and lights, turning a standard tree into a themed centerpiece. You’ll learn how to layer lights, place ornaments for balance, and add finishing touches that tie the theme together. All you need is a tree, your Pokemon collection, and a bit of patience.
What You’ll Need
- Artificial or real Christmas tree (6–7 ft recommended)
- String lights (LED or incandescent, 100–200 bulbs per foot of tree height)
- Pokemon ornaments (plush, plastic, or glass – mix of sizes)
- Standard ornaments (plain balls or snowflakes) to fill gaps
- Tree skirt or base cover
- Tree topper (Pikachu or Pokeball themed if possible)
- Ornament hooks (wire or plastic)
- Zip ties or twist ties for securing plush ornaments
- Step stool or ladder
- Gloves (if handling glass ornaments)
Step-by-Step
- Set up the tree – Assemble your tree and fluff the branches so they spread out. Place it in a stable stand and ensure it’s level. If using a real tree, water it before decorating.
- Test the lights – Plug in your string lights and check for dead bulbs. Replace any faulty ones before you start. Untangle the strands and lay them out in a loose coil.
- Wrap the lights – Starting at the bottom, wrap lights around the trunk, working upward in a spiral. For a fuller look, weave lights in and out of branches rather than just around the outside. Aim for about 100 bulbs per foot of tree height (e.g., 700 bulbs for a 7-ft tree). Space the bulbs evenly, and keep the plug at the bottom for easy access.
- Fluff and shape again – After lighting, step back and adjust branches to hide wires and distribute light evenly. Move branches so lights sit closer to the tips for a brighter effect, or deeper for a subtle glow.
- Sort your Pokemon ornaments – Group by size and weight. Heavy plush should go on sturdy lower branches; lighter plastic or glass can go higher. Keep fragile ones in a separate box.
- Place the largest Pokemon first – Hang the biggest plush or heavy ornaments on thick lower branches, near the trunk for support. Use zip ties or twist ties to secure them so they don’t fall.
- Add medium ornaments – Distribute medium-sized Pokemon (like Pikachu, Eevee, or Charmander figures) evenly around the tree, about halfway up. Place them at different depths – some near the trunk, some at branch tips – to create dimension.
- Fill with small ornaments – Use small Pokemon (like Pokeballs, mini figures, or keychains) to fill gaps. Hang them on branch tips for visibility. Mix in plain ball ornaments in complementary colors (red, white, yellow) to round out the look.
- Step back and balance – View the tree from multiple angles. Move ornaments that are clustered together and add more to sparse areas. Ensure no branch is overloaded – if it bends too much, move the ornament to a sturdier spot.
- Add the tree topper – Place a Pikachu plush or a Pokeball topper on the top. Secure it with wire or a zip tie to the top branch. If you don’t have a themed topper, a star or angel works fine.
- Finish with the tree skirt – Spread a tree skirt around the base. Use it to hide the stand and any extra light cords. You can also place a few Pokemon plush around the base as decoration.
- Final light check – Turn on the lights and walk around the tree. Adjust any bulbs that are hidden behind branches, and make sure the glow is even. Turn off when not in use if using incandescent lights.
Common Mistakes
- Overloading branches – Hanging heavy plush on thin upper branches can bend or break them. Always use lower, thicker branches for heavy items.
- Too many lights – More lights isn’t always better. Too many can wash out your ornaments and create a blinding glare. Stick to the recommended bulb count.
- Ignoring depth – Hanging everything on the outer tips makes the tree look flat. Mix depths by placing some ornaments near the trunk.
- Using the wrong hooks – Plastic hooks may not hold heavy ornaments. Use wire hooks for heavier items, and twist ties for plush.
- Forgetting to secure plush – Plush Pokemon can slide off if not tied. Always use a twist tie or zip tie, not just a hook.
- Uneven distribution – Placing all your favorite Pokemon in one spot creates a lopsided tree. Step back frequently to check balance.
Tips
- Use a color scheme – Stick to Pokemon that share colors (red, white, yellow) to keep the tree cohesive. Too many random colors can look chaotic.
- Layer lights in sections – Instead of one continuous spiral, wrap lights in vertical sections. This makes it easier to replace a section if a strand fails.
- Buy extra hooks – You’ll always need more than you think. Keep a stash of wire hooks and twist ties nearby.
- Protect fragile ornaments – If you have glass Pokemon ornaments, place them higher up where pets and kids can’t reach.
- Use LED lights – LED lights stay cool, reducing fire risk and allowing you to leave them on longer. They also use less energy.
- Add a Pokeball garland – String Pokeball ornaments together with ribbon to create a themed garland for extra flair.
Troubleshooting
- Lights won’t turn on – Check the plug and outlet first. If one strand is dead, replace the fuse or the entire strand. For LED strings, a single bad bulb can cause the whole strand to fail – use a bulb tester or replace bulbs one by one.
- Tree looks sparse – Add more lights or use larger ornaments. You can also fluff branches more aggressively to fill gaps. Consider adding a second layer of lights in a different color (e.g., white + yellow) for depth.
- Plush ornaments keep falling – Use stronger ties, or place them in a mesh bag and hang the bag. Alternatively, set them on branches that are close to the trunk where there’s more support.
- Tree topper won’t stay – If your topper is too heavy, attach it to the trunk with wire. For a plush topper, use a long zip tie and wrap it around the top branch and trunk.
- Ornaments slide down branches – This usually means the branch is too smooth or angled. Use a hook with a deeper curve, or wrap a bit of tape around the branch to add friction.
- Tree leans to one side – Rebalance the stand, and move heavy ornaments to the opposite side to counterbalance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lights do I need for a 6-foot tree?
For a 6-foot tree, aim for 600–800 lights (100–133 per foot). This provides a good glow without being overpowering.
Can I use real candles instead of electric lights?
No, real candles are a fire hazard and are not recommended for any Christmas tree. Use only electric lights designed for indoor use.
How do I hang plush Pokemon without damaging them?
Use a twist tie or zip tie around the plush’s body, then attach to a branch. Avoid piercing the plush with hooks.
What if I don’t have enough Pokemon ornaments?
Mix in standard ornaments in Pokemon colors (red, white, yellow, blue). You can also print and laminate small Pokemon images to use as DIY ornaments.
Should I use LED or incandescent lights?
LED lights are safer (they stay cool), more energy-efficient, and last longer. Incandescent lights give a warmer glow but use more energy and get hot.
How do I store Pokemon ornaments after the holidays?
Wrap each ornament in tissue paper and place in a sturdy box. For plush, store in a breathable cloth bag to prevent dust buildup.
Related
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