SEASON: The Christmas season is upon us, although we wouldn’t be surprised if stores start decorating for Valentine’s Day before long.
We love to look at Christmas decorations, and wonder how people decide what makes it on the annual tree (or trees, depending on one’s preference). Does everything on your tree match in color, or follow a certain theme? Or is your tree a collection of ornaments that mean something to you and your family?
The colors red and burgundy are trending this year for tree themes, as are ribbons, bows and feathers. Make sure to add pops of nontraditional colors, too. Do you get new decorations each year, or hold on to sentimental favorites?
We think if the tree is in our home, it should be something we like instead of what’s popular or in fashion. Anything attached to a happy memory is welcome.
Ornaments made when we were children still adorn our trees, alongside ornaments of fictional characters, handmade crafts, cartoon characters, animals and nutcrackers.
The nutcracker originated in Germany, and is a symbol of strength and courage. That and a Christmas pickle, a bird’s nest and a star always make the cut. Another German tradition, the Christmas pickle was the last ornament hung on the tree. The first child to find it on Christmas morning got an extra gift.
A bird’s nest in a Christmas tree is a symbol of good luck, home, love, commitment and effort. According to German folklore, finding a bird’s nest in your Christmas tree brings health, happiness and prosperity.
And a star atop a Christmas tree is from the Christian Nativity story, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
