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