| Every year, our senses are bombarded with the | | | | introduced. Today, we may shudder to think of |
| wonderful sights and sounds of the Christmas | | | | how dangerous it was to place lit candles on a |
| holiday season. For many people, the Christmas | | | | tree, but indeed, that is what they did. Small, |
| tree majestically standing in a well chosen spot | | | | delicate candles were lit and carefully placed on |
| and decorated with loving care, is the main | | | | the boughs. |
| feature of the holiday decorations on this special | | | | For over a hundred years now, the candles have |
| day. | | | | been replaced with a myriad of choices in lights |
| In addition to being the center of attention in | | | | that adorn the trees. For some families, the |
| happy holiday homes, Christmas trees also often | | | | choice of lighting for their tree harkens back to |
| adorn public squares, business offices and | | | | the type of lighting that was used on the tree |
| shopping malls, adding to the festive feeling of the | | | | when they were children, while others enjoy |
| season. The lighting of the town one is often a | | | | seeking out the latest advances in lighting that |
| well-anticipated event that officially kicks off the | | | | adds a bit of technological flair to the holiday with |
| season of this special day and marks the | | | | chasing, flashing and changing lights, all |
| beginning of many holiday events that will be held | | | | programmed and run by small computer chips. |
| throughout the month. | | | | The Christmas tree ornaments that a family |
| Interestingly, the history of the Christmas tree | | | | chooses to use on their tree are also a very |
| can actually be traced back to when prehistoric | | | | important component to the memories that will |
| pagan practices became Christianized. In the | | | | be created and cherished, especially by the |
| pagan belief, the evergreen tree, which is what is | | | | children. While some families choose to bring a |
| used for the vast majority of Christmas trees, | | | | new theme to each new tree, others prefer the |
| was used to symbolize the renewal of life. | | | | tradition of having the same ornaments featured |
| There are many stories as to the origin of our | | | | on their tree from year to year. |
| modern day Christmas tree. The myths of the | | | | Still others have a practice of purchasing one very |
| Medieval times referenced a miraculous "flowering" | | | | special ornament for each child every Christmas. |
| of evergreen trees during the season this special | | | | By the time the child is grown, they have a small |
| day and the Germanic tribes believed the Patron | | | | selection of treasured ornaments that will become |
| trees to be sacred. Additionally, the evergreen | | | | the foundation for their own collection of |
| tree is sometimes associated with the idea of the | | | | Christmas holiday decorations. |
| holy trinity, represented by the triangular shape. | | | | The family Christmas tree will most likely continue |
| However, it is the Germans who are credited with | | | | to be the main focus of family traditions and one |
| first bringing an evergreen tree inside the home | | | | of the primary symbols of Christmastime, bringing |
| and decorating it, essentially making the first one | | | | with it a perpetuation of giving, awe, good will |
| and launching a tradition that has become a | | | | towards men and the creation of new memories |
| favorite for many generations. Of course, this all | | | | to be treasured for a lifetime. |
| started back in the days before electricity was | | | | |