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