The Upside Down Christmas Tree: Treacherous or Trendy?

The upside down Christmas tree is one of the strangest trends I've seen in a while. There are some people who probably like the idea. I think an upside down Christmas tree is just a matter of personal preference, some people love the newest trends while others prefer traditional decor. How long will the upside down Christmas tree be popular? Only the consumer knows for sure, after all, we do determine such trends. If people stay fascinated with the upside down Christmas tree, then it will become a mainstay. If the upside down Christmas tree is ignored by consumers because it is just too bizarre, then it will go away. I just personally think a tree looks rather ridiculous upside down. I prefer a tree to be pointing in the direction nature intended when it is growing, from purely an aesthetic point of view.

Every retailer that is selling the upside down Christmas tree is quick to point out that the tradition came from the 12th Century in Central Europe. They would hang the Christmas tree upside down from the ceiling instead of right side up. The meaning behind using an evergreen tree was the triangular shape symbolizing the Father, Son and The Holy Spirit. No matter which way the tree is placed, a triangle is a triangle. The tree can lay on the floor if someone prefers, it's still a triangle. The retailer just wants to go with the current trends and make all the money they possibly can make.

Some people believe the reason behind the upside down Christmas tree is possibly sinister, and the only explanation for its resurgence must be an evil one. Placing a Christmas tree in the upright position points toward the heavens, so if the Christmas tree is upside down, the tree top is obviously pointing in the opposite direction. I don't understand why anyone would spend a large amount on a new artificial upside down Christmas tree, just so the top of the tree can supposedly point to what some believe is the direction of perdition. I think there are probably other ways for someone to make a sacrilegious statement if they wished. Sinister must start in someone's heart first, then the upside down Christmas tree would be a symbol for something dark and forbidding. If someone is having fun with this odd tree because it is trendy and different, but they have a kind and loving nature, I just don't see how this could be anything sinister.

The retailers who are selling the upside down Christmas trees are quick to state the benefit of placing a tree this way. It's simple, with the wide part of the triangle up in the air, it then makes available so much more floor space for presents underneath. It's a win-win situation for the retailer. The artificial upside Christmas trees are expensive! Target has an upside down Christmas tree that is 7.5 feet tall and is pre-lit with 500 clear lights. This tree is about $380.00 dollars. If that one is not expensive enough, then go to Hammacher Schlemmer. Their upside down Christmas tree can be purchased for just under $600.00 dollars plus $65.00 shipping charge. This tree has 800 clear lights. There are probably many people that can still afford all the extra presents to fill the now empty space underneath their upside down Christmas tree. Not me, I would rather spend the extra money on presents.

The retailers are also proclaiming the space saving commodities of the upside down Christmas trees. I always thought if the room had a small footprint, then a narrow Christmas tree would be a good choice, or just a table top tree. I certainly never thought of hanging a Christmas tree upside down as a space saver! The ornaments are thought to be easier to see on an upside down Christmas tree, too. They are supposed to hang more gracefully because they don't have the branch below interfering. Well, I guess that's true, but I know the branches below some of my glass ornaments have saved their little round lives from shattering all over my floor on more than one occasion. Anyway, whichever direction your Christmas tree is pointing, it is my sincere wish that it brings happiness and a twinkle to a child's eye every time they look at it!