How to Decorate a Patriotic Christmas Tree

The Patriotic Christmas Tree is a symbol of joy, sacrifice, hope, and admiration from home. Sometimes the patriotic Christmas tree is a good way to honor family members who may be away in the armed forces. Other times, a patriotic Christmas tree is a great way to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans. Some love the patriotic Christmas tree because it stands as a symbol of their love for their country. Civic organizations too may choose a patriotic Christmas tree to represent their status in the country. Here are tips on designing the perfect patriotic Christmas tree.

The first thing to remember when decorating a patriotic Christmas tree is the foundation for the decorative piece - the tree itself. Your patriotic Christmas tree should be well selected in relation to the space allotted for the tree, how many decorations you have to put on the tree, and personal preference. Selecting the tree for your patriotic Christmas tree also involves deciding on whether you want a live tree or a synthetic, variety, and of course color. White trees make a wonderful backdrop for a patriotic Christmas tree and can be spray painted red, white, and blue, but the tradition of an evergreen should not be ignored.

Once you have selected a tree for your patriotic Christmas tree, it's time to select the lights. Red, white, and blue lights are available during the July 4 holidays, but they aren't common at Christmas time. You can restring a set of patriotic Christmas tree lights by selectively replacing bulbs or purchase single strands of red, white, and blue lights. Or, you can opt for a more delicate look and use only white lights.

Ornaments for your patriotic Christmas tree vary greatly with what statement you are trying to make and personal preference. The following are ideas for the perfect patriotic Christmas tree with overall plans and instructions for ornaments:

Stars and Stripes Forever patriotic Christmas Tree: Purchase several assorted stars. Every kind of star imaginable will make this patriotic Christmas tree even better. Tree topper stars will also work. Buy small clear ornaments and carefully open them. Place one teaspoon of red paint into the ornament and worl it around in a fun pattern. Then add one teaspoon of gold. Repeat with white paint and then blue. When the ornament has dried, put the top back on. The greater the variety of stars, the prettier the tree will be. When you are finished covering the tree with stars, run 1" red ribbon, white ribbon, blue ribbon, and gold ribbon from the top of the tree to the floor. Top with a star.

Homespun Patriotic Christmas Tree: Purchase wooden stars at a local craft shop as well as wooden gingerbread men, elongated hearts, spools, and miniature flag fabric. Paint the gingerbread men with red and white stripes and glue to hearts painted blue. Hot glue paperclips to the back for a hook eye. Take spools, apply a thin coat of glue, and wind red, white, or blue yarn on them until all the brown is covered. You should have some red, some white, some blue, and some with all three yarn colors. Paint the wooden stars yellow and hot glue one paperclip on the back of each or drill a hole for a hook. If you are crafty, consider quilting some star ornaments. Make rag fabric ribbons out of printed patriotic cotton fabric and tie them to the branches of your patriotic Christmas tree. For added country charm, create these beautiful tole painted ornaments from North Pole Christmas. Finish your patriotic Christmas tree with ribbons of gold, red, blue, and white and candy canes adorned with blue bows.

Bless our Troops Patriotic Christmas Tree: For this tree, start with red, white, and blue lights. Purchase used standard camouflage clothes at a thrift store, and tear rag ribbons from them. Decorate the tree with small or medium red, white, and blue glass balls adorned with camo ribbon around the tops. Purchase and paint wooden dog tags and personalize with the names of soldiers who are away this Christmas. Purchase used 12" scale GI Joe and soldier action figure accessories and combat boots. Decorate by applying tacky glue and sprinkling with white glitter to look like snow and hang on the tree. For the doll combat boots and helmets, add tiny miniature ornaments, candy canes, and tiny gifts made from gift wrapped craft wood or Styrofoam. This would be a great patriotic Christmas Tree to use at a VA hospital! Decorate with plenty of Red and white and blue candy canes.

Good luck creating the perfect patriotic Christmas tree . . . and Happy holidays!