Christmas Tree Toppers

As a young boy in a family of six, I looked forward to the Christmas holidays every year.  As the summer ended, we celebrated Labor Day and returned to school.  First came Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and finally we got ready for Christmas and the month of December.  Every year was the same as the routine of the holidays never changed and brought comfort in knowing what was to come.

Thanksgiving weekend was always reserved for Christmas decorating.  My father and older brothers brought the boxes down from the attic which contained all the decorations we had collected over the years.  This included the homemade ornaments, the themed ornaments, and the sterling, crystal, and engraved ornaments we purchased every year.

The Christmas tree topper was the most important ornament to me - after all - the tree wasn't completed until the Christmas tree topper was secured to the top of the tree.

Tree toppers are available today in many more styles that when I was a kid.  And with all the types of Christmas tree toppers available today, it can be pretty difficult selecting the right one for you. Before I show you my favorite, take a look at the tree toppers for Christmas trees people want the most. 

Let's take a look at the most popular types of tree toppers and the vast number of alternatives you have.

Angel Tree Topper

 Believe it or not, this is still the most popular tree topper buyers request.  Back in my day, they were cumbersome and difficult to place just right.  Today, they come specially fitted with a variety of types to suit any taste.

 

An angel Christmas tree topper is exceptional, especially those that have multiple lights.  Make sure your tree will be able to handle the weight of the angel topper you purchase.  Also the size of the angel is important.  For instance, if your tree is very tall, the addition of the angel topper may be more than you have room for.  

Before making a purchase online, read the reviews so you know what you're getting.  I like to start with the bad reviews because they tell me more of what I need to know, like any problems that were found.

Christmas Tree Star Topper

My personal favorite is the star to represent the star of Bethlehem which announced the birth of Jesus to the wise men and led them to the birth in Bethlehem.  Using a Christmas tree topper star is fairly simple as they are not too large and easy to install.  

Star tree toppers come in many different styles and colors.  Traditionally, they have been a simple glowing star, but today you have a variety of styles and colors to choose from.  If you really want your Christmas tree star topper to stand out, you can select a multi-color star.

Things to look out for are the size of the star, weight, and quality of make.  One of the major complaints with the lighted star tree toppers is that the lights stop working.  Another common issue is that the cord is too short, so if you plan on a tall tree, make sure the cord will extend to the outlet.  If you're looking for a tree topper that will become a family heirloom, make sure you invest in a quality tree topper.

Christmas Tree Bow Topper

For a long time, I had a simple velvet bow tree topper on my tree.  Today you can purchase a lighted bow in various colors.  

These are really beautiful and they come in a variety of colors.  As with all lighted tree toppers, make sure the bow tree topper is the right size and is made with quality parts.  One of the biggest complaints about these toppers is the lights don't last long.  I suggest plugging it in as soon as you purchase it and give it a good test by turning the lights on and off and have them remain lighted for a while.  This will certainly eliminate the holiday disappointment of having to return it late in the season.

How to Make a Christmas Tree Topper Bow

If you or someone in the family is crafty, you can make a homemade Christmas tree topper.  No need to shop for all the essentials because today you can buy them in a kit.  All you have to do is follow the instructions on how to make a bow Christmas tree topper and you have an instant family heirloom.  This will make for years of reminiscing as the family enjoys this Christmas tree bow year after year.

Glass Tree Topper

One of the most beautiful and a bit retro is the glass tree topper.  These are delightful to shop for as they come in a wide range of prices and sizes.  

The glass tree topper here is from a much revered name today... Radko.  This can be your starting price point, but watch out for the crystal tree toppers which can be quite pricey.  If your glass Christmas tree topper is going to be handed down in the family, I would definitely go for the crystal.  The quality of the item will ensure that it lasts and won't be as quickly broken as the more inexpensive items.

View the most popular glass tree toppers here - notice the different types of glass toppers and the variety of prices.

The glass Christmas tree toppers come in short and tall varieties.  Make sure you measure the size you need before you make your purchase.

Pull-Up Christmas Tree

As I was researching Christmas tree toppers, I came across this pull-up tree, making the need for a separate Christmas tree topper obsolete.

This is a fabulous solution for those not interested in all the separate decorations that are needed to complete a Christmas tree.  This is a fully decorated, pre-lit tree that assembles in three easy steps, saving you decorating and storing time.  

This is not the only pull-up Christmas tree available - be sure to review all the options and select the one that is best for you.