I hate putting lights on our tree. I learned how to put lights on a Christmas tree from my dad - who probably learned it from his dad.
Most people either start at the top or the bottom of the tree and place the lights around the tree in a circular direction. I think this would be a little easier with some sort of turntable or Lazy Susan.
But the better way apparently is to divide the tree into imaginary triangles with the pointy end on top and string the lights from top to bottom. It's easier to handle and you'll get better coverage. This advice is one week too late for us.
See the videos below.
Photo credit: Barbara Taeger Photography