Have yourself a retro little Christmas
Flocked, aluminum and plastic trees
At the height of the rage for artificial Christmas trees in the early ‘60s, as many as 300,000 ”Tin Tannenbaums” were twisted together by women toiling on an assembly line in Manitowoc, Wis. An accordion played the “Aluminum Specialty Song,” a ditty that the gals on the line would sing to pass the time. (Set to the tune of “Glow Worm”)
“We can cut them
We can wind them
We can pack them
We can bind them
We stay up all through the night
To make your Christmas gay and bright!
Classic Aluminum Christmas Tree
A whirling spectrum of vibrant colors radiate from this dazzler. Needs little or no decoration to add shimmer and shine to any living room, and it is made of non-corrosive aluminum foil designed to last more than a lifetime. Setup is a breeze, but using non-shredding oven mitts is suggested. An aluminum tree stand comes with each tree.
The manual cautions: Due to the extreme danger of using electric lights on the highly conductive aluminum branches, a rotating multicolored floodlight illuminates the tree.
5-foot Standard Aluminum Tree
Price: $369.95
Color Wheel
Price: $59.95
www.yuletideexpressions.com
Potted Twinkle Tinsel Tree
This dramatic tree comes in three luscious colors: brilliant blue, passionate purple and glittering gold. Contains 655 tips, with pre-attached hinged branches for no-hassle setup and pre-lit with 200 blue plug-in standard lights. Indoor use only. Includes tree stand
6-foot tree
Price: $139.99
www.target.com
Upside Down
Christmas Tree
A tradition allegedly dating to the Middle Ages in Eastern Europe, the upside-down tree has recently caught on in the US. Safe from small pets and toddlers, the tree offers an easier shape from which to drape ornaments and lights. Sure to surprise your family and guests. The artificial trees come in a variety of designs and materials.
Price: 5-foot tree $249
7-foot-6-inch tree $420
www.santasquartersno.com
Solar Powered
Peace Wreath
Make an illuminating statement with an outdoor wreath in the shape of a peace symbol. This 24-inch solar-powered artificial wreath contains 56 white LED lights that begin to twinkle as the sun goes down.
Price: $99.99
www.mrlight.com
Christmas Tree Cross
We Be Christmas offers an artificial PVC Christmas cross, which the site describes as “representing the true meaning of Christmas. It also is appropriate as a way to memorialize a loved one.” Available lighted or unlit. The lights stay on even if the light bulb comes out of the socket. Comes with stand. Available in sizes from 3 feet to 7 feet 5 inches.
Price: $65 - $225
www.webechristmas.com
