Christmas Tree Ornaments For Christmas party

The concept of decorating a tree with ornaments for Christmas is not a new tradition. In fact, Christmas ornaments date back to 16th Century Germany. This concept remained exclusively within Germany for quite a while. The first tree ornaments in Germany were candles, used by Martin Luther to entertain and delight his children.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Other Christmas ornaments of this time (after the introduction of the candle as an ornament) were paper flowers, candy, hard cookies, fruit, and tinsel made of silver, tin, and other shiny materials. Since then, the Christmas ornament has obviously changed a lot - perhaps due to the safety concerns of hanging candles on a flammable tree that is surrounded by children. Ornaments have always been beautiful creations proudly displayed on a tree for all to marvel at.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Throughout the 1800s, beautiful glass ornaments gained popularity in Europe and the United States. Queen Victoria and Price Albert brought the idea of the Christmas ornament from Germany to England in 1840. In addition to the German glass ornaments, beads, paper baskets containing sugared almonds and other nuts, and vibrant hot air balloons decorated Christmas trees throughout England. These German hand-blown glass tree ornaments became a spectacular representation of Christmas and finally made their way to the United States in 1880, sold exclusively at Woolworth. By 1880, American families were decorating Christmas trees in a similar way that we do today.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

In 1973, Hallmark introduced the concept of collectible Christmas ornaments, further broadening the concept of the Christmas ornament. Soon, collectible Santas and other traditional Christmas characters like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman became familiar sights on American Christmas trees. Since Hallmark's introduction of collectible ornaments in 1973, people began collecting and giving collectible Christmas ornaments as gifts for the holiday season.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

These Hallmark ornament collections started out as glass and yarn creations, but slowly expanded to include acrylic, wood, metal, porcelain, and intricate handmade items in every shape or figure imaginable. Still though, collectible Santas remain among the most popular theme for an ornament, regardless of the materials used to construct him. Santa has been and probably always will be a lasting symbol of Christmas for people around the world.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

The tradition of Christmas themed ornaments is a great way to celebrate the holiday season and spend time with family while decorating the tree. This is a tradition that isn't likely to die out anytime soon.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Choosing how to honor the memory of a loved one at Christmas time can be difficult. An appropriate gift during the holidays would be a memorial Christmas tree ornament. Some people may not even consider giving such a gift as they have conflicting emotions about it. There may be concern that the joyous Christmas season may somehow be muted by the reminder of the deceased loved one among the festive holiday decorations. While such concern is understandable, when consideration is given to the colorful legends of the origin of the Christmas tree and its' decorations, the suitability of a memorial ornament may be better appreciated.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

No one can say for sure where the concept of a "Christmas Tree" first developed. Some say it is based on the famous "Tree of Knowledge" in the Garden of Eden. Others point to the use of evergreens in ancient Rome for the holiday of Saturnalia that would end in the final week of December. Another possible explanation for the use of a tree at Christmas is because it represents the wood of the Crucifix. On a similar note, St. Boniface of Germany is said to have endorsed the use of fir trees as their triangular shape reflected that of the Holy Trinity.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Unlike the Christmas tree, the history behind the ornaments that adorn it is slightly less convoluted. German Christians are believed to have started the custom of taking a Christmas tree, which traditionally had been outside, inside their home and decorating it with small baked goods, strings of nuts and paper streamers. Soon, German artisans began creating more ornate decorations that were either carved or blown from glass. The German practice of collecting such treasured family keepsakes at Christmastime is now a tradition for families around the world.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

So what does a Christmas tree and the ornaments upon it represent to us today? Many people think that the tree itself reflects our belief that even in the cold and dark seasons of our lives, we rejoice in the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The decorations we place upon it, from the antique imported glass blown bulbs passed on from generation to generation to the handmade paper mache star made by a young child, represent our thanks and celebration of God's blessings. A memorial Christmas ornament will be a joyful reminder of God's promise of eternal life.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

A memorial ornament, with a picture of the loved one who is spending Christmas in heaven, will be a welcome addition to any tree. Such a gift will be appreciated, not only when first given but for years afterwards, as it becomes part of a family's Christmas tradition.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Christmas Tree Ornaments