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Decorating a Christmas tree started back in the middle ages, but the traditions we have today began in the 1960’s. It was in the 1960’s ornaments, lights, and decorating the outside of the home became so popular. The first trees were decorated in Germany, and this is where most of our Christmas traditions hail from. Food was a constant source of decorations in the past. Cooked foods were placed on the tree or made with ribbons so they could hang. Food such as sugar rods and other sweets were most prevalent in the past. Then in the 1800’s globes were formed out of glass. In the 1960’s ornaments took on plastic qualities as well as glass, offering a wider range of decorations. Now we shop in a variety of markets such as discount stores, hand crafted markets, and other places for our Christmas tree decorations. The most memorable of tree decorations are those we either hand make ourselves or purchase from a craftsman. Germany continues to offer handcrafted ornaments of glass with painted figures and designs. Religion was once upon a time difficult for us with persecutions of certain faiths. During these times Christmas decorating, especially with a tree, could be seen as wrong. Luckily this phase has been gone for centuries and today the holiday is marketed for all rather than just those celebrating Christ’s birth. This new thought on Christmas has changed the meaning of the holiday, but also given rise to many themes. Some individuals use Halloween decorations on their trees, or themed tree decorations rather than a typical “fashion design.” Magazines or famous individuals’ tree ideas are often replicated to honour them, as well as enjoy the holiday look. Elegant trees are often used for magazines or more public displays, but they also make a nice touch of something different in the home. Others take to the idea of decorating with their favourite characters or goofy ornaments that they can find. A hodgepodge of made ornaments combined with purchased items is most typical for tree decorating though. In the 1990’s the most popular form of decorating was in the more traditional Victorian style. This meant white or silver garland, white or clear lights, and frosted white ornaments with ribbons and poinsettias. The Christmas tree is just part of the decorating fun you can have as you can also decorate outdoors with a myriad of mechanical ornamentations.
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