Viral TikTok hack says Christmas tree lights should be hung vertically

Hack is reportedly easier than traditional method and uses less lights

With Christmas just around the corner, many TikTok users have begun sharing their hacks for making the holidays easier, brighter, and all around more jolly.

One hack that has since gone viral on the app shows an alternate way of stringing on Christmas tree lights, with people on TikTok explaining that placing the lights on the tree vertically actually makes more sense - and looks better.

The unusual method was first demonstrated by user Clare Hooper, who revealed in a video shared in November that those who coil their lights around their tree are actually decorating it wrong.

“If you are coiling your Christmas lights, you are doing it wrong,” Hooper explained in the video, showing her initially placing the lights around the tree the way that most people do.

Instead, Hooper, who revealed that decorating Christmas trees was part of her job, said she relies on a “zig-zag method,” which sees her placing the lights on the tree vertically.

According to Hooper, the method is superior because it doesn’t waste lights in the back, and it also means it is easier to replace a strand if the bulbs burn out.

“This method saved me so many times,” she captioned the clip, which has since been viewed more than 2.4m times.

The decorating technique has also proven to be a hit with others on TikTok, with users who have tried the hack thanking Hooper for the advice.

@mrsclarehoops

This method saved me so many times 🎄##christmasdance ##mumslifeinlockdown ##festiveness

♬ Rocking Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

In one video uploaded by Liz Lovery, which has since been viewed more than 12.7m times, she demonstrates the technique on her own tree, declaring the tip a success.

“Uses less lights, easy to change if one string goes out, and so much easier,” Lovery confirmed in the clip, which she captioned: “Wow what a difference this made! Thank you @mrsclarehoops!”

@lizlovery

Wow what a difference this made! Thank you @mrsclarehoops ! 🎄 ##HolidayVibes ##christmas ##holidaydecor ##homedecor ##decortips ##IntroVideo ##hometips

♬ O, Christmas Tree - Christmas

In the comments, viewers have expressed a desire to try the hack themselves, while others have said they have been using the decorating tip for years.

“We’ve been doing this for years!” one person commented. “It also makes the tree so much more sparkly!”

The technique should only be used, however, after you’ve decided on a theme for your tree, with experts previously telling The Independent that before you buy your lights you should consider the aesthetic you are going for - which will inform your decision regarding what colour lights to purchase.

“Bright white lights are icy and more contemporary, whereas warm white are more traditional, producing a soft effect,” Russell New, the in-house floral designer at Cliveden House, said.