Easy DIY Christmas Tree Sketch Hard

In the whimsical world of sketch comedy, one of the most cherished subjects is the humble Christmas tree. It's a symbol that's as ubiquitous during the holiday season as jingle bells and candy canes, and comedians have been tickling our funny bones with it for decades. But sketching a Christmas tree, and making it 'hard,' that's a comedic challenge even the most seasoned funnyman would quiver at. So, how do you make the jolly old pine tree a tough nut to crack?

Firstly, let's set the scene. When we talk about a 'hard' Christmas tree, we're not referring to the rigor mortis kind of hard, but rather the challenging, complex, or even risqué humor that's tough to pull off. The tree, as the centerpiece of many a gag, needs to stay pertinent and funny, not just be a backdrop to fall flats on.

Understanding the Tree's Role

The Christmas tree in sketch comedy isn't just a bit of greenery; it's a character. It needs to drive the gag, not just be a prop. Think of it like the straight man in a classic comedy duo. It's almost always there, setting up the jokes, but it's how you play it that makes it hilarious.

For instance, Monty Python's "The Christmas Collection" sketch features a Christmas tree that's constantly being knocked over. It's not the tree saying anything funny, but its continual arrival, just to get knocked over again, is what's making the sketch hilarious. That's the tree's role here - to be an unyielding foil to the nonsense around it.

Adding Complexity

If the tree's role is to establish the comedic beat, adding complexity can make the sketch 'harder.' This could be in the form of unexpected elements, like a sentient tree. Picture a sketch where the tree is equipped with a PA system, complaining about the ornaments heavy-handedly hung on its branches. Suddenly, the tree becomes a character in its own right, not just a stage dressing.

Or consider the 'Talking Christmas Tree' sketch from Saturday Night Live. The tree's ability to talk, a seemingly innocuous addition, abruptly turns the sketch on its head. The complexity comes not from making the tree talk - that's just the setup - but from the awkward, cringeworthy conversations the characters subsequently have with it.

Subverting Expectations

Subverting expectations is another way to make a sketch 'hard.' Our brains are wired to anticipate the punchline, the culmination of a joke's setup. But what if the punchline never comes, or comes from somewhere completely unexpected? That's when a sketch gets 'hard.'

Take "The Polish Autonomists" sketch from Monty Python's Flying Circus. The scene sets up as a typical Christmas family gathering, full of potential for wholesome family fun. But the twist? It's not a Christmas tree that's being set up, but a guillotine. Talk about subverted expectations! Suddenly, the sketch goes from warm and fuzzy to dark, weird, and hilarious, all because of the expected symbol of Christmas being replaced with a more...sinister tool.

Setting the Scene Right

The context in which the Christmas tree sketch is set can also make it 'harder.' A sketch set in a sterile office environment, where the tree is the only sign of festivity, can be funny. But make it 'hard' by adding a twist - perhaps the tree has a life of its own, pets, and is havering chaos in the 'serious' workplace.

A sketch set in a timeless, surrealist realm where the tree is the only connection to the real world, with characters interacting with it without batting an eye, is another 'harder' scenario. The incongruity of the tree being treated ordinarily in such an extraordinary setting is what makes the sketch funny.

Timing and Delivery

Timing and delivery are crucial for making a sketch work, and doubly so when trying to make it 'hard.' There's a fine line between setting up a joke and making it old news. Timing it just right, letting the joke percolate, can make the twist funnier. We see this in "Not the Nine O'Clock News" sketch, "Isn't It Awfully Nice to Have a Tea?" where the Christmas tree's true role is gradually revealed, building up to that 'harder' punchline.

But timing can also mean knowing when to end the joke, just as it seems to be losing momentum. We see this in sketches like "A Christmas Carol" from The BigFat Quiz of the Year, where the sketch cleverly ends just as the recycled punchline seems ready to get old, keeping the 'hardness' of the sketch intact.

In essence, making a Christmas tree sketch 'hard' isn't about making the tree more difficult to sketch or set up. It's about making the humor challenging, risky, and complex. It's about pushing the boundaries, subverting expectations, and not being afraid to make the audience work for their laughter. So, here's to the 'hard' Christmas tree sketches, the ones that don't just make us chuckle, but also make us think. Now, go forth and sketch merry, for it is the season to be 'hard'!