In case you missed it, our 2022 Christmas Catalog is live! ??

I haven't written about this item since 2015, so here is a friendly reminder that the “Tree Genie” Christmas tree stand by German company Krinner is absolutely the way to go if you're into having a real tree set up in your home for the holidays rather than an artificial one.

What I said at the time still holds true:

[The stand] doesn’t require you to screw individual bolts into the trunk; just place the tree into the opening, and while holding it straight, pump the foot pedal a few times until the clamps around the base have a firm grip on the tree. After that, lock the pedal into place and you’re done. It can comfortably be done by a single person holding the tree, which is awesome.

One thing I didn't mention last time is that they have a few sizes available to accommodate different trees:

• Small ($84) — For trees with a max height of 6 feet and trunk diameter of 4.5". Base offers 0.9-gallon water reservoir.
• Medium ($94) — For trees with a max height of 7 feet and trunk diameter of 4.7". Base offers 1.2-gallon water reservoir.
• Large ($95) — For trees with a max height of 8 feet and trunk diameter of 7". Base offers 1-gallon water reservoir.
• XXL ($114) — For trees with a max height of 12 feet and trunk diameter of 7". Base offers 2.5-gallon water reservoir.

Whichever size you go with, the fact that you can put up a real (huge) tree in the span of a minute or less — especially versus whatever contraption your dad struggled with back in the day — makes each holiday season all that much more enjoyable. And you'll still be using it a decade or two from now, no problem.