In the past I have gotten wreaths from a very reputable company.  I spent twice as much money but got a great wreath that didn't lose needles, came already lit, and with a battery that lasted until Christmas.  I cannot say this for this wreath.  It was decorated as promised but flat and it shed right out of the box. Fresh? Maybe not. The lights came in their own package and I had to sting them to make them look great.  Again, not with previous wreaths. The timer for the lights has not worked once (as directed from instructions) and on day three I am replacing batteries.  With several weeks to go until Christmas who knows how many batteries this wreath will eat up?  I did follow all instructions.  Next year I will go back to the more expensive wreath from a great company with much less trouble.