Almost from the very beginning of Christmas trees in Germany, colorful decorations were a part of the Christmas tree tradition. Long before candy canes and electric lights, Christmas trees were adorned with candles, silver tinsel, apples, cakes, sweets and other delights. Martin Luther purportedly decorated a Christmas tree with candles to illustrate for his children the beautiful stars of the night sky. As the Christmas tree tradition became more popular, glass ornaments appeared, angels and stars found their way to the top of the Christmas tree and colorful electric lights emerged in the 20^th Century.

Today’s decorations vary widely from the simple, homemade decorations of green and red paper chains, strings of popcorn and berries and handcrafted ornaments to expensive silver and glass ornaments or family heirlooms. However decorated, the Christmas tree is a reflection of family traditions and personal style.

Christmas Tree Lights

Lit candles, inherently unsafe, have been replaced by strings of white or colored safety lights. Stringing strands of light is the first step in decorating a Christmas tree . Before proceeding, each strand of lights should be tested to make certain that they are all working. Next the lights are carefully strung, usually starting from the bottom branches and working upwardly. To avoid too many of consecutively connected strands of light, power strips can be taped to the trunk of the Christmas tree and then several strands of lights can be plugged into the power strip. This technique has both an obvious safety benefit and a practical benefit – making it easier to find and replace problem strands of light.

Christmas Tree Garlands and Tinsel

Garlands and tinsel come next. Colorful, old fashion paper chains, ribbon, and strings strung with popcorn and cranberries grace many family Christmas trees, particularly when the children are younger. Colored tinsel, twine, strands of beads, and strands of mini-pine cones – the styles are limitless to a creative mind.

Real tinsel made from strands of silver was introduced hundreds of years ago in Germany. In the 20^th Century, hanging “icicles” made of tinfoil or other synthetic material made Christmas tree tinsels affordable to most families and achieved wide usage.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

The individuality and style of families and couples is broadly expressed in the type of ornaments used to decorate Christmas trees. Even more so than with garlands, creativity and individual style of Christmas trees have no limit. Solid colored balls, silver ornaments, handcrafted ornaments, candy canes, ribbons, keepsake ornaments marking the birth of each family member, miniature wreaths and baskets, small toys, Christmas-themed figurines, handmade ornaments brought home from school – the possibilities are endless.

Of more recent origin are “theme” Christmas trees. This trend started in 1961 when First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of Christmas tree themes when she decorated the 1961 Christmas tree in toy trimmings from the Nutcracker. Themes can be traditional or avante guarde, gaudy or trendy. Themes can range from a patriotic theme with small flags and red, white and blue ornaments, to a Harry Potter theme, from a western theme with miniature horses, ropes, and boots, to a Star Wars theme, and to countless other ideas. Christmas tree decoration themes can be found online at websites such a the Better Homes and Garden website or in seasonal home decoration magazines such as Home and Garden and the Christmas Magazine.

More than anything, Christmas is for memories, past, present and future. Decorating your Christmas tree is a delightful way to start your Christmas celebration.