Combine the softened cream cheese, well-drained crushed pineapple, chopped cranberries, pecans, red bell pepper, chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour until it firms up and becomes easier to shape.

Once chilled, use a teaspoon or small scoop to portion the mixture into walnut-sized balls, yielding about 20–25 mini cheese balls. Roll each one gently between your hands to form smooth spheres.

Place the chopped pecans in a shallow bowl and roll each cheese ball in the nuts until evenly coated.

On a large serving platter, assemble the cheese balls into a Christmas tree shape by starting with 6–7 balls at the base, then stack rows of 5, 4, 3, 2, and finish with 1 at the top.

Decorate by placing dried cranberries as “ornaments” and add a pineapple piece or a tiny cheese star at the very top as the tree topper.

Serve chilled with crackers, toast, or pita chips. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.