The tradition of Christmas trees in America came
from German immigrants who had settled in Pennsylvania.
It is believed that the tradition of Christmas trees
started in Germany from as early as 700 A.D and was
practiced by many Germans in the 1800s.
It's also since that period that Christmas trees have
also been available for sale in the United States. While
artificial Christmas trees are popular, many people like
to have a fresh Christmas tree in their homes, or
outside on their lawns. And similar to all other trees,
Christmas trees also have different shapes and qualities
that make some types more popular than others.
Along with other decorative Christmas items such as
wreaths and garlands, having a Christmas tree in your
home is very essential in creating a special atmosphere
for the season. It is believed that Christmas trees have
been available for sale in America since the 1800s,
which is about the same time that the former Woolworth's
department store started selling ready-made ornaments
for Christmas trees.
Choosing the right type of Christmas tree is important
because Christmas trees are often a focal point for many
family activities and traditions. Given the many types
of Christmas trees that are available, it is important
to think about how the tree will be used.
While a tall tree may look very elegant, it may not be
suitable if there aren't many adults around who can
reach the tree's heights. And a very short tree may be
dwarfed by other furniture in the room. It's therefore
very important to carefully consider and get a tree that
has a suitable height and also one that has sturdy
branches to hold heavy ornaments.
Artificial and real Christmas trees can often be bought
from the same retail stores these days as local
businesses and retail chain stores often sell both types
of trees. The best place to get a real and fresh
Christmas tree, and also to see a wide variety, is
likely a Christmas tree farm however. Using modern
technology, both types of trees can also be obtained
through online transactions, via telephone as well as by
mail-order through catalogs.
Among Christmas trees there are certain types that are
always favorites and which are bestsellers. These
include: Douglas, Fraser, Noble and Balsam firs, and
Scotch, Virginia and white pine trees.
These evergreen trees all have all have one or more
excellent features related to shape, color or sheen and
fragrance, which makes them favorites for Christmas
trees.
The most favorite Christmas trees basically have a
pyramid or cone shape. A pyramid-shaped tree is likely
taller and has somewhat of an elegant look. Douglas Fir,
which ranks first among Christmas tree favorites, is an
example of a pyramid-shaped tree. Other examples are
Fraser, Balsam and Noble firs. A cone shape tree tends
to be short with dense branches, which makes them
excellent for holding many ornaments and other
decorations.
Families that have a strong tradition of making their
own ornaments, or putting mementos on Christmas trees
may consider a cone-shaped tree. Virginia and Scotch
Pines, Norway Spruce and the Eastern White Pine all have
cone shapes.
Another feature that makes Christmas trees appealing is
their color. While all trees have a green appearance, a
closer look at their needles will reveal differences
such as a bright or dark-green, blue-green or
yellowish-green hue. The needles may also emit a silvery
sheen with the right lighting. Fraser and Noble firs
both have needles with a silvery sheen, and the branches
of both trees are also used for garlands and wreaths.
Most people choose a fresh Christmas tree for its
fragrance, which can be fairly strong or just subtle,
giving off just enough of a whiff of scent. Douglas Fir,
which is the most popular Christmas tree in homes and
public places, is a very fragrant tree. The Balsam fir
is also fairly fragrant. The Eastern White Pine is
however, a tree that doesn't have much fragrance.
Whether you have a favorite type of Christmas tree or
will choose one from its appearance, there are many
choices to satisfy the desire to have a fragrant and
well-decorated tree for Christmas.
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Christmas Tree Decoration Tips
When we think of
Christmas, we think of lights, snow (even if
we are in the south), Santa Clause, the nativity and, of
course, we think of Christmas trees. Christmas tree
decorations will overtake entire sections of stores
during the holiday season.
People will inevitably flock to those stores to purchase
Christmas decorations for their homes and yards and they
will buy tons of Christmas tree decorations and lights.
Christmas tree decorations can come in many shapes and
sizes.
Some companies will release themed Christmas
decorations, or special edition Christmas decorations
while others just mass produce low cost characters,
balls and other ornaments.
Some people even use bows or candles to decorate their
trees. Some families have ornaments that have been
passed down for generations and are family keepsakes.
This makes the Christmas tree even more special.
Another option is to feature homemade Christmas
decorations. If you are crafty, you may fashion
ornaments from dough, paper or balsa wood. If you can
sew or do yarn work like crochet or knitting you can
make some lovely ornaments.
You can even purchase some Styrofoam balls covered with
satin thread and pin beads to them in interesting
designs. Some families allow their children to make
homemade Christmas decorations from dough that they bake
in the oven and then paint. These ornaments, when paired
with a popcorn and cranberry tinsel make a homey tree
that is personal to and a special memory for the entire
family. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Brief Look at Christmas Ornaments
One of the most peace emanating symbols in the world is
the image of the Christmas tree which celebrates the
birth of the Lord through an iconic symbol of peace and
good will.
The classic image of the celebrated Christmas tree,
however,
looses much of its symbolism when it is not adorned with
the many classic Christmas ornaments that elevate the
tree above being just a common pine tree.
It is commonly believed that it was the protestant
reformer Martin Luther who was the first person to have
come up with the idea of decorating a tree with
Christmas ornaments, but it is not truly known if this
is true or if an origin was ‘invented’ so as to fit in
with one’s culture.
Christmas tree origins derived from the ancient
Egyptians who worshiped it as a symbol of fertility.
Later on, other pagan civilizations would borrow the
worship of the pine tree.
Eventually, the pine tree became a symbol of
Christianity whose origins are traced to the legend of
St. Boniface chopping down oak trees as they were
commonly worshiped by pagans. When a pine tree grew on
the place where the oaks stood, the Christmas tree was
born.
In Germany, in the middle ages, when evergreen pine
trees were brought into church to celebrate Christmas,
it become customary to hang apples from the trees as
Christmas ornaments. Later on, paper cut outs were used
as Christmas ornaments when people started bringing the
trees into their own residence. (Apples, of course, will
start to spoil after a couple days and this certainly
wouldn’t look nice in the home)
Eventually, in the 1800’s in America, Christmas
ornaments were sold in novelty stores and, in their
first year in the marketplace, sold in excess of $20
million dollars! This easily cemented Christmas
ornaments as a staple of the holiday season.
Sales are still going strong nearly 200 years later!
we are in the south), Santa Clause, the nativity and, of
course, we think of Christmas trees. Christmas tree
decorations will overtake entire sections of stores
during the holiday season. 
looses much of its symbolism when it is not adorned with
the many classic Christmas ornaments that elevate the
tree above being just a common pine tree.