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Christmas is a time of year when decorating a tree inside and outside the house is pretty much taken for granted. However, what if you have been using the same decorations for the last ten years? You might consider that it is time for a new approach. Christmas decorations have their beginnings in the 1500’s in Germany, when folks would visit the Old Christmas markets. The markets would be plentiful with Christmas food such as honey cakes, sugar rods, and other favourite Christmas foods. These foods would be used for the Christmas decorations. The food was also offered for eating while people shopped. It was not until the 1700’s a new idea for Christmas decorations came about. These Christmas decorations closely resemble what we have today. Construction paper, glazed paper, candies, nuts, fruits, and other materials were used to make the Christmas decorations. Decorating Options:
Angels: The idea for angels began in the middle of the 19th century. They were often thought of as Christian, but Buddhists, Islamists, Judaism, and even Hinduism had angels and they were thought to be messengers. Christmas candles: The 1500’s marked the first idea regarding Christmas candles. The candles were first used as lights on the tree branches, but are more traditionally used for lighting windows today. Candles were meant to be an emblem of life and happiness. Christmas globes: Germany first invented the Christmas globe idea back in the 16th century. The globes were made of glass, even coloured glass. Now we have both plastic and glass to create the globes. Tinsel: Germany had a great deal to do with Christmas decorations, even creating tinsel. Tinsel when first made was developed with real silver. Silver was not the best option as it loses its lustre over time. Now we have plastic tinsel or garland. Other garlands have been strings of popcorn. Traditions often make the best Christmas decorations for a family. There are numerous types of traditions regarding the use of Christmas decorations; for example purchasing one new ornament each year for every member of the family. This helps bring the old and the new together. If you need a new idea for Christmas in the coming year consider a theme. Each year you can have a theme for your tree in which you use some of the decorations you have or make new decorations. Santa Claus’ workshop could be one theme, or a Nativity.
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