| Nothing is quite as comparable to the joy | | | | with them. However, added to the mix of |
| experienced by a family getting together to enjoy | | | | European food items were popcorn, cranberries |
| the Christmas holidays. Baking cookies together, | | | | and festively colored decorations. Eventually, |
| watching that favorite traditional Christmas movie | | | | adding to the items that helped to trim the tree, |
| and, of course, trimming the tree. | | | | were glass ornaments that were made and |
| For most families the Christmas tree decoration is | | | | popularized in Germany and eventually exported |
| retrieved from their yearly storage area and | | | | to other countries. |
| brought out immediately following Thanksgiving. | | | | With the discovery of electricity in the latter part |
| The families that own an artificial tree generally | | | | of the 19th century, it was a natural progression |
| display their tree right away while those opting for | | | | that electrical lighting would be a part of the |
| a live tree shop for that special tree as soon as | | | | Christmas tree decoration. |
| possible. | | | | Christmas Tree Decorations Today |
| As the tree decoration boxes are unpacked many | | | | Christmas decorations of today have changed |
| memories are experienced as each decoration has | | | | considerably. The ornaments are wonderfully |
| a special meaning or even represented that of a | | | | decorated and highlighted with glimmering colors. |
| special Christmas memory. Christmas decorations | | | | Often the decorations are non-edible, but may |
| such as the babys first Christmas or that | | | | sometimes reflect the original use and idea of |
| ornament that has the kindergarten picture of | | | | trimming the tree with fruit and candy. For |
| your child or that special adornment to the tree | | | | example candy canes may hang from the branch |
| that represents the love between you and that | | | | of a tree. However, these candy canes are not |
| special someone. | | | | real, but merely an artificial representation that is |
| The History of the Christmas Tree Decoration | | | | outlined with lights. These artificial candy canes |
| Early day Christmas decorations were food items | | | | add to the decorative mix. |
| that adorned the trees. Some of these items | | | | The lights, as part of the decoration now twinkle |
| included little pastries, apples, and other sweets. | | | | as well as giving the appearance of moving or |
| The tradition was to eat these tree decorations | | | | running around the tree. |
| following the celebration of Christmas. Items that | | | | Despite the fact that the decorations of today |
| could not be eaten were eventually added to the | | | | have changed in style and the materials used, the |
| mix. Tradition states that Martin Luther was the | | | | one simple fact remains. That fact is that |
| first individual to attach non-edible items by placing | | | | Christmas tree decorations are still an integral part |
| candles upon his Christmas tree. | | | | of the Christmas holiday that symbolizes and |
| As families immigrated to America they brought | | | | reflects the familys celebration of their faith. |
| their traditional type of Christmas tree decoration | | | | |