JOHN CURLEY

Weird trend alert: Upside-down Christmas trees

Dec 23, 2017, 12:37 AM

amazon christmas, Carols at the Capitol...

(Photo: Joanna Kosinska)

(Photo: Joanna Kosinska)

There’s a whimsical, twisted new Christmas trend this year. If you’ve tired of the way your 6-foot Douglas fir looks in the living room, you could try turning it upside-down.

RELATED: Why Christmas trees were so expensive in 2017

Historically speaking, the trend is not an entirely new phenomenon. According to some sources, the trees date back to the Middle Ages when people in certain parts of Europe allegedly hung their trees upside-down in a central position in their homes. Others say its shape was used to represent the Holy Trinity.

Whatever its roots, it’s caught on this year.

The Christmas trees either hang from a bracket on the ceiling or sit on the floor in a special stand. But does the fad have a purpose other than simply being subversive?

For one thing, an upside-down Christmas tree is a conversation starter, albeit a strange one. It also saves floor space for those who live in studios or small apartments. And if you have pets or young children, it could keep ornaments from getting smashed by rowdy kids or wagging tails.

One major downfall? The trend is costly. Artificial upside-down firs run anywhere from $130 to $1,000. That’s well above the price of a real tree, which are already more expensive this year than last.

John Curley on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
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