There’s nothing quite like the familiar and festive “POP!” of a holiday cracker to bring cheer around the Christmas or Hanukkah dinner table. Make these joyful decorations in a snap with seven simple steps and completely customize them with personal messages and tasty treats to delight your loved ones.

Materials Required:

• Paper rolls
• Wrapping paper
• Scissors
• Tape
• Ribbon or string
• Cracker snaps
• Confetti
• Treats and goodies

Related: 12 Last-Minute Gifts for Everyone in Every Price Range

Step 1: Cut Wrapping Paper

Cut out a few pieces of bright wrapping paper approximately 14 inches wide and 8 inches long. Look for wrapping paper that features grid lines along the back for easy measuring and cutting.

Step 2: Wrap Paper Rolls

Line three cardboard paper rolls side by side and carefully wrap them by rolling along the paper. Secure the paper with a piece of regular tape, double-sided tape, or a bead of hot glue.

Step 3: Insert Cracker Snap

Slide a bon bon snap or cracker snap through the paper rolls from one end to the other. Secure one end with a small piece of tape. This will keep the snap in place when you fill the cracker and close the ends.

Step 4: Gently Crush Ends

Grab hold of the wrapped cracker with both hands and find the break beneath the surface where the paper rolls meet. Gently twist the rolls apart to form a groove in the paper.

Related: Transform Your Staircase With This Easy Pool Noodle Garland

Step 5: Close One End

Make sure the cracker snap is easily accessible on either end of your cracker. Carefully tie a ribbon or string to close one end of the cracker. Work the ribbon along the groove of paper to gently seal it shut. Once the ribbon is in place, trim the paper ends and lightly fluff them into shape.

Step 6: Fill Cracker

Now the fun part! Fill your cracker with items like personalized jokes or meaningful messages, paper crowns, balloons, candy, small trinkets or toys, and – of course – confetti!

Step 7: Close Other End

Repeat step five to close the other end of the cracker. Leave the ends tied simply with a ribbon or string, or dress them up with some jingle bells, small ornaments or colourful pom poms.

Set the Holiday Table

Make your holiday table pop with these fun and festive crackers!

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Images courtesy of Denise Dias

Professional-quality gift wrapping requires a combination of the right tools, attention to detail and creativity. From selecting the perfect wrapping paper to perfecting the art of crisp folds and finishing touches, all it takes is some practice to become a true “wrap star.” Whether you’re a seasoned wrapper or a beginner, here are some tips on how to gift wrap even odd-shaped gifts like a pro this holiday season and say goodbye to store-bought gift bags.

 

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Related: All About Furoshiki: The Japanese Art of Gift Wrapping

Materials Required:

Before you begin wrapping your gifts, it’s important to have the right tools and materials at the ready. Here’s a list of essential items along with a few things that will elevate your gift wrapping if you’re looking for more of a challenge.

• An assortment of wrapping paper (different patterns and colours)
• A sharp pair of scissors (or a paper dispenser)
• Clear cellophane tape (go for a higher quality option so the gift doesn’t pop open early)
• Gift boxes
• Tissue paper
• Bows and ribbon
• Tags (store-bought or handmade)
• A hot glue gun (this can be used instead of tape when wrapping gifts)
• Small pine cones, bells or other decorative items

How to Gift Wrap Boxed Items

To wrap a boxed item or any other square or rectangular-shaped object with straight edges, here is a step-by-step guide:

1. If your item requires a box (like clothing), first wrap the item in a sheet or two of tissue paper, and then place it in a gift box. Secure each side of the lid with a small piece of tape so that it doesn’t open while you’re wrapping it.
2. Next, measure and cut the wrapping paper. For most gifts, you’ll want to cut the width to match the width of the gift and the height should be twice the height of the gift.
3. Lay the paper on a flat surface with the patterned side down and centre the gift with the bottom of the box facing up.
4. Centre the gift and fold over one half of the paper, making sure that it’s as tight to the box as possible. Fasten with a piece of tape. Then fold over the other half so that it partially covers the half that is already fastened to the box, again making sure that it’s snug against the box. Fasten it with a piece of tape. If the edge wasn’t cut completely evenly, you can fold it under to create a straighter edge before fastening it with tape.
5. Neatly fold each end of the gift, keeping the paper as tight to the box as possible. Fasten with enough tape to hold it in place but don’t overdo it. Two or three small pieces will usually do the trick. If the paper was measured correctly, you shouldn’t have to trim any excess. If any trims are required, use sharp scissors and trim as neatly as possible. (For more experienced wrappers, a hot glue gun can be used in place of tape for the previous two steps.)
6. Flip the gift over and attach a tag, bow, ribbon and other decorative items.

Related: How to Make a Needle-Felted Gingerbread House Ornament

How to Gift Wrap Awkwardly-Shaped Items

To wrap items with more challenging shapes, watch the video above or follow these tips:

For something like a stuffed toy, cut a piece of wrapping paper big enough to cover the item. Fold each side into each other with a bit of overlap and tape it. Form two triangles and tape it to form the bottom. Place your item inside the bag and fold the top down. Make two hole punches in the top and fasten with ribbon to close the bag.

For a bottle, take a new, reusable napkin or dish towel and wrap it around the bottle. Tie the top — around the neck of the bottle — with ribbon.

For an item like a tumbler or a travel mug, you’ll also want to create a gift bag out of wrapping paper. Follow the same steps as the first example, but make sure you have lots of paper at the top. Accordion fold the top of the bag until you’re close to the item, tie it with string or ribbon, and fan out the top, taping both accordioned sides together in the centre.

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Bring holiday cheer to your tree with a charming, needle-felted gingerbread house ornament. This easy DIY project is perfect for adding a handmade touch to your Christmas decorations. Follow these simple steps to craft your very own heirloom ornament this holiday season:

@hgtvcanada

Tis the season for festive DIY ornaments 🤩✨🎄 @Courtney Naray #DIY #ornaments #christmas #holidays #festive #decoration

♬ We Wish You a Merry Christmas – Alexander Smith & Mark Fabian & Richard Kimmings

Materials Required:

• Wool roving in brown, white, green & red
• Felting needle
• Felting pad
• Scissors
• Silver thread
• Embroidery needle
• Ribbon

Step 1: Prepare the Base Shape

Start by shaping the main body of the gingerbread house. Take a handful of brown wool roving and form it into a rectangle. Place the shape on your felting pad and use your felting needle to repeatedly poke the wool, compressing the fibers until the rectangle becomes firm and holds its shape. Rotate the piece as you work to ensure even felting on all sides.

Step 2: Create the Roof

To make the roof, pull apart a smaller amount of brown wool roving and shape it into a triangle. Attach the triangle to the top of the rectangular base by layering the fibers together and felting them into place with your needle. Continue poking around the edges and surface to secure the roof and smooth out the connections.

Step 3: Add the Details

White details bring the gingerbread house to life! Take a small amount of white wool roving and gently form it into shapes for the doors and windows. Use your needle to secure the fibers and create defined shapes. Then, take some thin strips for the roof’s snow. Lay the strips along the edges of the roof and felt them down. For extra texture, you can add a few wavy lines to mimic icicles.

Step 4: Add More Details

Enhance the ornament’s charm by adding intricate details to the windows and doors. Use metallic embroidery thread and an embroidery needle to stitch outlines, frames or decorative patterns. This step adds sparkle and highlights to your gingerbread house.

Step 5: Make a Felted Wreath

Add a festive wreath to your gingerbread house. Use green wool roving to create a small circular shape. Felt it tightly to maintain its form, then use red wool roving to fashion a tiny bow. Attach the bow to the top of the wreath by felting it into place. Secure the wreath to the front of the house by felting it onto your desired spot.

Step 6: Attach the Hanging Loop

Cut a piece of ribbon approximately eight inches long. Use your embroidery thread to attach it to the top of the gingerbread house, just behind the roof’s peak.

Your needle-felted gingerbread house ornament is now complete! Hang it on your Christmas tree, gift it to a loved one or use it as a festive embellishment on holiday gifts.

Let’s be honest — the holidays can be a maelstrom of impulsive purchases and massive overconsumption. So, to make the holidays more sustainable (both economically and environmentally), it’s time to examine everything through a sustainability lens. From garlands and groceries to gift wrapping and guest rooms, the goal this holiday season is to cut our carbon footprint contributions while also curbing credit-card debt.

Decoration DI-Why

There are two points to consider before blowing a paycheque on pretty glitter wreaths and oversized mercury glass balls. First: can you do it yourself with supplies you already have or bits and bobs you can pick up for pennies? The two main components needed for sweet Christmas Village DIY project are scraps pieces of 2x4s and white paint. These five Christmas table centrepiece DIY ideas don’t require a florist consult or a fortune to pull together.

When thinking about how to make holiday home decorations more sustainable, the second consideration is reusability. Make sure what you do end up buying is going to stand the test of time and can be used season after season. Surprisingly, artificial Christmas trees could actually be more sustainable than the real kind thanks to their longevity. Home Depot’s Grand Duchess Balsam Fir Christmas tree went viral on TikTok thanks to its thick foliage and 2,000 colour-changing LED lights.

But if you can’t do without that sweet pine-sap smell and do opt for the real thing, here are some eco-friendly solutions for your Christmas tree post holidays.

Wrap It Up

If we truly want the holidays to be more sustainable, we can’t ignore the scattershot of shredded wrapping paper strewn across the floor post presents. The super shiny (and oh-so-pretty) holiday wrapping paper is often not recyclable, meaning those paper piles are predestined for the landfill. Let this year be the year sustainability sways you in a different direction when it comes to gift wrapping.

Since the demand for reusable gift bags is on the rise, so too are our choices. If you have a specific holiday motif or particular holiday colour palette in mind, you’ll have a greater chance of finding it this year than any previous holiday season.

But, if you still can’t spot the perfect pattern, you could also explore furoshiki, the Japanese art of gift wrapping. This ancient art utilizes fabric squares to securely fold around and protect the present within. Pick up fabric with a print that suits your taste, or even better, head to a thrift store to scoop up some unique vintage swatches or scarves.

Related: 16 Gift Ideas for the Women in Your Life

Good for Guests (Good for You)

The holidays are a prime time for hosting house guests — but is your home up to snuff (or sniff)? Sustainability is more than swapping out single-use plastic shopping bags for cloth ones (but that is a good start!). It’s rethinking our spaces, what we put in them and how we care for them.

If you’ve ever walked into your home office/guest bedroom and thought “Does mould have a smell?” it’s time to tackle that potentially harmful hunch head on. These are the 10 most common household odours — and how to eradicate them. Keeping our spaces clean and in good knick means reducing the need to replace damaged items or repair neglected areas.

The same goes for guest bedding — there is a really gross reason you need to wash those pillows more. But before you toss them into the washing machine, make sure you’re not making any of the five big laundry mistakes. Avoiding rips, tears or bleach stains while washing guest sheets and towels prolongs their use and diminishes the need to repurchase them as often.

There is also something to be said about the sustainability of investing in quality guest-room pieces upfront. Opting for the cheaper (and possibly less comfortable) mattress can, at first, seem like a frugal choice. But when it starts to disintegrate under the in-laws on night two and you have to shell out for an emergency replacement, the regrets are real. Look for an organic mattress that uses sustainable eco-friendly materials such as natural latex, wool and cotton (the Silk & Snow organic mattress ticks all the boxes).

Related: The Best Bed Sheets for All Canadian Seasons

Christmas Day is drawing near — and the missing-presents panic has now set in. You’ve realized you’re still a few short but are totally tapped out of creative gift ideas. Take a beat and browse through this bevy of last-minute gift ideas for everyone on your list. With the option of higher or lower price points, these last-minute gifts will get the job done without sacrificing your sanity (or savings).

Child’s Play

Splurge: Imaginative play is the pinnacle of fun for little campers. Spark some new campfire memories with plush marshmallows and hot dogs (without the risk of open flames).

Plush Campfire Kids Playset, Crate & Barrel, $99.

Save: This egg stuffed full of strange, waterproof silicone creatures is begging to be cracked open. Their sticky suction-cup feet cling to bathtubs, airplane windows and any other solid, flat surface. Line them up by colour, then pull them off with a satisfying “pop”.

Suction Toy Set, Amazon, $23.

Related: How to Make Your Own Grinch Christmas Tree for Under $10

Pet Me

Splurge: This blue-floral dog bed would not only look good in front of the living-room fireplace, it will also stand up to sharp doggy nails. Manufactured in the US and made from thick cotton, brass zippers and water-resistant, eco-friendly poly fill, this bed will last for dog’s years.

Foggy Dog Plush Dog Bed, Anthropologie, $165-$295.

Save: Not be left out, beloved (and discerning) cats may also be in need of last-minute gifts. Programmed to move in unpredictable patterns that mimic the real thing, this USB-rechargeable mouse toy will have your furry housebound hunter turn into a tracking and trouncing machine.

Cheerble Wicked Mouse Cat Toy, Amazon, $30.

Friends Forever

Splurge: The 100-per-cent-natural alpaca fibre used in these handwoven throws is sourced directly from generational alpaca breeders in the Peruvian Andes. So not only are these blankets as warm as a hug but they come with a heartwarming story of sustainability and substance — something any friend of yours would appreciate.

Bristol Alpaca Wool Throw, Silk & Snow, $295.

Save: Looking for last-minute gifts for a friend (or even as a hostess gift) can have us looking in unusual places. While hitting up IKEA for festive Swedish wrapping paper and paper napkins, swing by the lighting section to snag a couple of these chic LED candlestick lights.

BJÖRKSPIREA LED Decorative Light, IKEA, $15.

Happy Host

Splurge: Invited to family or friends over the holidays? Give them the gift of peace of mind with a smart meat thermometer, so they never have to worry about undercooked meat. When turkey time arrives, simply insert one probe into the breast and one into the leg and voilà — they’ll know exactly when it’s time to serve the food.

MEATER Pro Duo, MEATER, $270.

Save: Those who love hosting will appreciate the elegant translucence of these hand made glasses. They’re perfect for serving hot toddies, eggnog or even special desserts. The beauty of these mugs is that they maintain the ideal temperature of hot beverages while staying cool to the touch on the outside, something we think all hosts will appreciate for their guests.

450ml Latte Glass Set (2 Piece), Zwilling, $45.

Partner Up

Splurge: OK, so maybe this last-minute gift for your “partner” may actually be a gift to yourself? Whether you cohabitate or are in the sleepover stage, there’s no shame in wanting to slumber in sheets that get softer with every wash. A natural linen duvet cover and pillow set is levelling up, no matter how you look at it.

Linen King Duvet Cover Set, H&M Home, $179.

Save: You care about your partner‘s health and hydration. You care about the impact of single-use plastic on the environment. And you care that they’re always stealing your own reusable water bottle. This oak-topped glass vessel — with measuring marks on the side — is a multifaceted last-minute gift idea solution.

Oak Borosilicate Bottle, Zara Home, $46.

Related: 15 Gifts for the Men in Your Life

Parent Trap

Splurge: If teatime and morning coffee are sacrosanct in your childhood home, then a next-level kettle might be just the parent-pleasing ticket. Partnering with Canada’s urban-fashion icon October’s Very Own (OVO), Smeg created a line of small stainless-steel appliances featuring the hip brand’s owl logo in an eye-catching matte gold.

Smeg x OVO Electric Kettle, Hudson’s Bay, $329.

Related: 10 New Home Appliances Trends You’ll Soon See Everywhere

Save: Spark heated conversations over turkey and cranberry sauce with the new, widely acclaimed book from Indigenous scientist (and best-selling author of Braiding Sweetgrass) Robin Wall Kimmerer. In it she explores the ethics of gifting and reciprocity in the modern economy, set against the abundance and interconnectedness of the natural world. Let the dinnertime debates about commerce and consumption commence!

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Indigo, $25.

This holiday season, take your staircase to the next level with a lush, dramatic garland made using a surprising secret weapon — a pool noodle! This affordable DIY pool noodle garland is easy, fun and completely customizable. Here’s how to create your own showstopping masterpiece for the holidays:

@hgtvcanada

Using a pool noodle for your garland is the ultimate festive decor hack 😍 @Courtney Naray #DIY #garland #christmas #holidaydecor #hack

♬ sunet original – 🎄CHRISTMAS☃️

Materials Required:

• 1 pool noodle
• Zip ties 
• Fir branches (grab free off-cuts from your Christmas tree)
• Cedar stems
• Pruning shears
• Gold beaded garland
• Glass gold star ornaments
• Battery-operated twinkle lights
• 2” satin ribbon (for bows)
• Scissors

Step 1: Attach Your Pool Noodle

First, slice the pool noodle lengthwise. Position it snugly along the top of your banister, with the cut side facing down. Secure it in place using zip ties, spacing them about 12 inches apart. This base will anchor all of the festive greenery and decorations.

Step 2: Gather and Trim Your Greenery

If you get a real Christmas tree for your house, ask for the off-cuts from the bottom — they’re usually free and perfect for this project! Pair them with some cedar stems for added texture and draping. Otherwise, you can pick up fresh greenery from most grocery stores this time of year.

Using pruning shears, trim the branches into smaller sections, roughly 8-12 inches long. You want pieces that are easy to handle but full enough to create a fluffy look.

Step 3: Build Your Pool Noodle Garland

Start at one end of the banister and insert the cut ends of the fir branches into the slit of the pool noodle. Work in sections, alternating with cedar stems to create dimension. Layer generously until the entire pool noodle is covered.

Pro tip: Stand back occasionally to check your progress, finding bald spots to ensure an even, full look.

Step 4: Add the Gold Beaded Garland

Take your gold beaded garland and drape it loosely around the greenery. Let it swoop and sag between sections for a touch of sparkle and movement. Secure the garland in place by tucking it into the greenery or using small zip ties if needed.

Step 5: Customize Your Pool Noodle Garland

Next, tuck in a few pretty ornaments. Use more stems to help hold them in place, ensuring they’re secure and visible.

Then, weave a string of battery-operated twinkle lights through the garland. Position the lights to highlight the ornaments and greenery, leaving the battery pack discreetly tucked at the base.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

For the grand finale, create two large satin bows — one for the top of the banister and one for the bottom. I did a double bow at the bottom for even more drama. Secure the bows with zip ties and adjust the ribbon tails so they cascade elegantly downwards.

Step 7: Admire Your Work

With the final touches in place, it’s time to snap a few pictures for the ‘gram and enjoy your beautifully-decorated space. The mix of lush greenery, shimmering gold accents and twinkling lights brings instant holiday magic to your home.

‘Tis the season, so we’re all digging out the tinsel, detangling the strings of lights and thinking of ways to distract the cat. All that’s still needed is the tree. So, you’re probably thinking of driving out to a tree farm: natural is always better, right? “Not necessarily,” the experts say. “Wait,” you might ask. “Are artificial Christmas trees more eco-friendly than real ones, then?” Let’s look at the lowdown to find the answer.

Related: Yule Love How This Tiny Home Has Been Transformed Into a Winter Wonderland

The Lowdown on Real Trees

One of the biggest reasons people think of real Christmas trees as eco-friendly is that they’re biodegradable. Once the holiday season is over, you just throw out the tree, and nature will take care of it: at least, that’s what happens if you first chip it and dispose of it correctly. If it just ends up in the landfill, it produces methane gas as it decomposes: to a CO2 equivalent of 16 kg for a tree that’s 2 m tall, according to the Carbon Trust.

There’s also the matter of where the tree comes from. Intense, unsustainable farming methods can actually be bad for the environment: they can cause a loss of biodiversity as they displace the natural ecosystems that were there before. This is an even bigger problem if the farm doesn’t use natural ways to keep pests out. “Wild-harvested” trees aren’t the answer either: that’s just another word for deforestation and all the problems that come with it, like chopping down certain tree species to the verge of extinction and destroying the homes of birds, insects and other woodland critters.

Related: IKEA’s 2023 Holiday Collection Will Inspire You to Deck the Halls Early

The Lowdown on Artificial Trees

So when it comes to comparing real versus fake Christmas trees, are artificial trees the better option? Yes and no.

Artificial indoor trees are versatile enough for all the latest holiday trends because they’re usually made of plastic that will take hundreds of years to fully decompose. And then we’re not even talking about the humongous carbon footprint of producing that plastic in the first place. However, you’ll probably reuse that tree next year and the year after that. Considering the average artificial tree has a carbon footprint of about 40 kg CO2, after a little over four years of use, the carbon footprint will be the same as if you’d left a real tree in the landfill. If you buy a tree of such high quality that you can use it for many years to come, it will have been the better choice, at least in terms of carbon footprint. By the time the tree is too tatty to use anymore, new technology may have found a way to safely dispose of it.

Related: Christmas Craft Ideas That Will Get You in the Holiday Spirit

What’s the Alternative?

It’s clear that there are too many factors at play to say without a doubt whether it’s better to get an artificial Christmas tree or a real one. So why not try alternatives?

The most eco-friendly Christmas tree there is is one of the native plants you already have growing in your garden. Simply add some LED lights, and voilà!

But let’s be realistic: nobody wants to open presents outside in a Canadian winter. The solution? Get a live potted tree. You won’t be killing a tree or destroying an ecosystem to make your home smell like Christmas all year long. With wildfires and severe frost having already wreaked havoc on the supply of farmed trees – and the outlook for the future not looking much better – you won’t ever have to worry about the Great Christmas Tree Shortage. Just keep the cat distracted.

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Wreaths featuring bows are the decor trend of the season. We’re seeing them take over Pinterest boards and other social media accounts this holiday season. Lush ribbons of all sizes and colours are a chic way to add a cozy yet glam touch to your holiday decor this year. In this simple tutorial, we’re transforming a plain wreath into a luxurious statement piece with velvet bows in varying colours and thicknesses, topped with the warmth of a pre-lit wooden gingerbread house. Here’s how to make your own velvet bow wreath, just in time for the holidays:

@hgtvcanada

We love a personalized wreath moment 🎀✨ @Hey Maca | DIY | Home Decor #christmas #bow #wreath #diy

♬ underneath the tree – c ❣️

Materials Required:

• Pre-made wreath (real or faux — we used a faux one)
• Velvet ribbon in various colors and widths
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Two chopsticks
• Duct tape
• Pre-lit wooden gingerbread house

Related: How to Make Your Own Grinch Christmas Tree for Under $10

Step 1: Create Your Velvet Bows

Let’s start our bow wreath by making each bow using two chopsticks. Tape them parallel to a table, leaving about 2 to 3 inches of space between them. This will be your very own bow-making station.

Next, cut a piece of velvet ribbon with your scissors and wrap the ribbon around the chopsticks in a figure-eight motion twice, ensuring both loops are even and the velvet is facing out.

Wrap and tie it tightly, ensuring both loops are even and the bow is secure. Fluff the bow for a perfect shape and repeat this process until you have enough bows to decorate your wreath.

Step 2: Attach Bows to the Wreath

Lay your wreath flat on a work surface and attach each velvet bow evenly on one side using a hot glue gun. Mixing bow colours and sizes will create a dynamic and modern look. Add pressure to the bows and then let the glue dry completely.

For a real ‘wow’ factor, place a pre-lit gingerbread wooden house on the opposite side of the bows and secure it by adding hot glue to the back of the house. Then, light it up for the perfect finishing touch.

Related: These Easy Pipe Cleaner Trees Are the Best Way to Save on Holiday Decor

And voilà — you now have a stunning bow wreath that’s equal parts cozy and luxurious, perfect for gracing your mantel, staircase or any door this holiday season.

Happy holidays, friends!

Whether you’re crafting with kids, decorating a dinner table or adding a unique handmade touch to your festive decor, this project is super easy, affordable and totally customizable. With a few simple materials like pipe cleaners, cardboard cones and a pop of sparkly pink at the top, you can create your own pipe cleaner whimsical trees that are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Here’s how to make your own pipe cleaner trees, in just three steps:

@hgtvcanada

Transforming pipe cleaners into the cutest little Christmas trees 😍🎄 @Hey Maca | DIY | Home Decor #DIY #pipecleaners #crafts #christmasdecor #christmastree

♬ original sound – sp33dsongsx

Materials Required:

• Pipe cleaners (three colours: white, sparkly pink, sparkly white)
• Cardboard cones
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors

Related: We Found the Viral Home Depot Christmas Tree in Canada

Step 1: Prepare the Pipe Cleaners

Start by cutting the pipe cleaners into approximately 1-inch pieces using your scissors. Bend each piece in its centre to create a “leaf” shape. Do this to all of the colours: the white, sparkly pink and sparkly white pieces in order to prep your trees.

Step 2: Let’s Start Gluing

Start attaching the pipe cleaner leaves at the base of the cone using your hot glue gun — add a line of glue around the bottom edge of the cardboard cone. Attach each pipe cleaner leaf to the glued line carefully, one by one, alternating colours as you go. We mixed the white and sparkly white together. Repeat the process by adding a line of hot glue and then attaching the pipe cleaner leaves, working your way up the cone.

Tip: Ensure the leaves slightly overlap to create a fuller, layered look.

Step 3: Finish With a Sparkly Touch

Lastly, for a fun finishing touch, glue a sparkly pink pipe cleaner to the very top of the tree. This will make your pipe cleaner trees really stand out!

Related: How to Make Your Own Grinch Christmas Tree for Under $10

And just like that, you’ve just made your very own whimsical pipe cleaner trees, perfect for adding a bit of sparkle and personality to your holiday decor. These trees look best on a mantel, as a table centrepiece or as a handmade gift for someone who loves unique handmade decor.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Originally published November 8, 2023, Updated October 28, 2024.

Have you heard about the Home Depot Christmas tree that’s gone viral? If not, you might just be living under a rock (or just really good at avoiding social media!). In the past few days, TikTok has been ablaze with videos of users setting up their beloved Grand Duchess Balsam Fir Christmas trees from Home Depot. So much so that the hashtag #viralchristmastree has garnered more than 70 million views on the popular social media app. So what’s all the fuss about?

Why This Home Depot Tree Is So Popular

According to TikTok fans, this 7.5 foot artificial Christmas tree is unique because it’s pre-lit with more than 2,000 colour-changing LED lights that are controlled by a remote control. It also features over 3,000 branch tips, which give it a thick foliage look, and memory wire branch tips so it maintains its shape after coming out of storage. According to The Home Depot Canada’s Decorative Holiday Merchant, Konstance Sevastos, the tree is “easy to set up and control and brings festive cheer to your home with either warm white or colourful lights.” The result is pretty spectacular if you’re into bold and bright Christmas decor.

Potential Cons of the Viral Tree

However, if 2,000 shiny lights seems like a bit much in terms of LEDs in your living room, you’re not alone. Last year, some buyers noted that the lights were too bright and giving them a headache. While this year’s new and improved Grand Duchess tree comes with a dimmer featuring 11 light functions, 2,000 LEDs may still be too much for some. The price is also somewhat steep as this tree will set you back a whopping $498. While the tree is currently in stock online and in-stores, if last year’s sold-out status is any indication, this year’s Grand Duchess tree is sure to fly off shelves, too.

If you’re still on the fence about an artificial Christmas tree with so many lights, perhaps these more subtle (and cheaper!) alternatives are a better fit…

A Stylish Pink Christmas Tree

If you’re a fan of the colour pink and still want to make a statement this holiday season, this ombre pink and white Christmas tree will do just the trick. Though it doesn’t contain as many lights as the viral Grand Duchess tree (500 lights compared to 2,250), it does measure 7.5 feet tall so it’s still sure to make a big impact. Plus, it’s less than half the price of the viral Home Depot tree which we can all agree on is a very good thing.

Pre-Lit Ombre Pink & White Christmas Tree, Home Depot, $174.

A Pencil Christmas Tree

If space is really tight in your household, a pencil Christmas tree might be your best bet. We’re digging this classic pine fir option that comes in various heights ranging from five to seven feet tall. Plus, at just over $100, it’s also quite an affordable option for those looking to save a few bucks.

Classic Pine Fir Pencil Tree (6 ft.), Amazon, $95.

A White Pre-lit Christmas Tree

White Christmas trees are currently all the rage on Pinterest and this one is extra special as it comes pre-lit, so you don’t have to worry about untangling lights. White Christmas trees are perfect for those who already have a neutral colour scheme in their homes that they don’t want to stray from.

Pre-lit White Christmas Tree, Amazon, $100.

A Lego Christmas Tree

If you’ve got young children and are also tight on space, this LEGO option is a great pick. Your kids will get to help with building it and seeing their faces once it’s complete will put a smile on everyone’s face. Plus, LEGO doesn’t need to be put away after the holidays so you can enjoy this tree all year long.

LEGO Christmas Tree, LEGO Store, $55.