Although it might seem like early days yet, Christmas is coming, and the better prepared you are, the less stressful the celebrations will be.
For many of us, the biggest hassle that inevitably comes with the holidays is the fuss of setting up all the decorations.
First, you have to get them out of storage and then untangle everything, and if (like me) you have an artificial tree, then you have to spend many a weary hour assembling it.
You can never be too ready for the holidays, which is why this smart mom puts her decorations up three months early:So if that sounds like a real drag, then I might just have the product for you. Yes, you can now buy yourself half a Christmas tree instead of a full-sized one, so you don't have to decorate the back of it.
If you just prop one of these babies up against a wall, then your friends and neighbors will be none the wiser, and there are a number of retailers offering a range of similar products.
For example, Hammacher Schlemmer is selling their so-called Against The Wall Christmas Tree for $249.95 (£193.33), which comes pre-arranged with its very own fairy lights to give it a bit of extra sparkle.
On Hammacher Schlemmer's official online store, the product's item description states:
"Available only from Hammacher Schlemmer, this is the semi-round Christmas tree that rests against a wall. Ideal for smaller living spaces where a full-sized tree is impractical, it possesses a full tree’s width and suggestion of depth due to its lifelike PVC and PE tips. [sic]"
The description adds:
"The boughs provide a sense of lush, dense foliage and are pre-strung with multicolor or warm white LEDs rated for 25,000 hours. With 822 tips and 350 lights. Select White or Multicolor. 78" H x 43" W x 22" D. (30 3/4 lbs.) [sic]"
However, if the steep price of the above tree is making you worried, then fear not: there is a cheaper alternative. Christmas Tree World is offering the Italian-designed Arbor Vitae Fir Half Tree for the relatively low cost of just $46.58 (£35.99).
The product's item description states:
"If you are looking for a stylish artificial Christmas half tree this year, look no further than the Italian designed Arbor Vitae Fir Half Tree collection. Half-trees are becoming increasingly popular in homes and businesses across the country, in addition to other trees or a space-saving alternative. [sic]"
It adds:
"The range provides a number of different sized artificial trees, from 4ft to 6ft, so it’s easy to find the perfect size for your room or venue. The Arbor Vitae Fir Tree is a traditional and high-quality Christmas tree that is available at a great price. It’s the perfect choice of tree for making your Christmas season that extra bit special. [sic]"
Meanwhile, over on Amazon, you can bag yourself the Chelsea Flatback Artificial Christmas Tree for just $77.52 (£59.90), which comes pre-strung with LED lights and fiber-optic needle tips.
So there you have it: why not literally cut your tree Christmas worries in half this year, so you can enjoy the holidays a little more?