| istmas decorations you place on your tree is the | | | | decorations and now export them throughout the |
| most common place to find Christmas ornaments; | | | | world. There is also a flourishing industry in the |
| usually bought, but with a modicum of craft skills | | | | hand blown Christmas ornaments, the shimmer |
| and imagination you can make countless new | | | | and shine of these ornaments make these very |
| ornaments. Christmas ornaments are usually | | | | special and quite charming. |
| made of glass, china, wood or resin. | | | | Just as there are traditional Christmas ornaments |
| Christmas ornaments are viewed by | | | | there are also traditional colours that are used on |
| manufacturers as the entry into whole ranges of | | | | the decorations, these are gold, silver, green and |
| themed Christmas decorations, not just the | | | | red. |
| decorations for your tree; they hope that the | | | | Personalised ornaments have become more in |
| purchase of ornaments will lead to further | | | | demand as people search for new and innovative |
| purchases in the same range. | | | | ideas to impress. The best way to ensure that |
| The original idea that Christmas ornaments were | | | | you have something unique is to create |
| hung on the trees to mollify the goods and to ask | | | | something yourself. This makes for a great family |
| for favour from them was swamped by the | | | | activity and will be much appreciated by the |
| marketing industry; prior to the introduction of | | | | younger children. |
| Christianity, Christmas decorations primarily | | | | When To Put Up The Christmas Tree |
| consisted of fruits, flowers and other colourful | | | | Traditionally the Christmas tree is put up in the |
| items hung on the tree. | | | | USA after Thanksgiving. But in modern times it |
| Familiar Christmas Ornaments | | | | has got earlier and it is fairly common to see |
| In Germanic countries the Christmas tree has | | | | them within the first two weeks of December. |
| been decorated with ornaments for hundreds of | | | | This is probably due to the shops stocking |
| years. This practice was popularised in Britain by | | | | decorations earlier each year in order to maximize |
| Prince Albert , Queen Victoria's husband during the | | | | profits. Some believe the first Sunday of Advent |
| middle part of the nineteenth century. During the | | | | is the time to start putting up your tree, while |
| 19th century ornaments would consist of hand | | | | others start decorating the tree as late as |
| carved Christian icons, such as angels. Before the | | | | Christmas Eve. |
| introduction of the now ever present twinkling | | | | Old ornaments have become collectors items and |
| fairy lights, Christmas trees were decorated with | | | | are in much demand. This market is fuelled by |
| a special and now rarely seen Christmas | | | | people who are trying to recreate the perceived |
| ornament: the candle, now pushed into Christmas | | | | Christmas spirit of yesteryear. However you |
| decoration history as a health and safety hazard! | | | | decorate your Christmas tree it is important that |
| These beautiful carvings and candles have been | | | | you personalize it in some way so that it can be |
| replaced by fairly lights and brightly coloured | | | | something that is pleasing to look at and right for |
| baubles; just as fruits and biscuits have become | | | | creating the festive spirit. |
| chocolates and sugared candies. | | | | Christmas ornaments have become iconic in |
| In Sweden the traditional Christmas ornaments | | | | representing the coming of the festive season. |
| are made from wood, this is still the most | | | | Once you see the first decorations you know |
| common tree decorations. The Swedish have | | | | that the Christmas cheer is well underway. |
| created an industry around their Christmas | | | | |