"How did tree's become apart of our Christmas tradition anyway?" I asked my husband. "I have no idea! Google it." he replied.
So I did! It all started in the 15th century, in early modern Germany, when Christians would bring decorated trees into their homes to celebrate Christmas. It has also been known as the yule-tree. Yule-tide is a religious festival based on Jesus' birth.
Originally the tree was decorated with food, like apples, nuts, wafers, cookies and other goodies. Then sometime between the 16th and 18th century Martin Luther added candles, which is now replaced with Christmas lights (much more safe). An angel or star is placed at the top of the tree to represent the angel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem.
Christmas Trees are always so much fun to decorate. This year I fell in love with my parent's Christmas tree. It has been decorated so lovely that I had to share it with you today. I asked my mom a few questions about Christmas and her tree, in hope that she might share some of her decorating secrets.
First of all your tree looks amazing, where did you get the ornaments?
Most of my ornaments were collected through the years. I used some that were my mothers that were handed down to me from my dad after my mother passed away. I chose to put up ornaments that reflect my relationship with my husband.
Which one is your favourite?
I have so many favourites, but if I had to choose one I would say it is the First Christmas Together ornament. (The ornament in the first picture.) It has a scene of a couple on a sleigh ride together.
What was your inspiration?
My inspiration was traditional and romantic.
How long did it take you to decorate?
It probably took me a few hours the first night, then I worked on it for a few more hours over the next 3 days.
Do you use the same decorations every year?
I change the decorations every year.
I have changed through the years going from a silver garland, then to ribbon and now to deco mesh. Last year I used one continuous deco mesh around the tree and this year I chose to cut it into 3 foot long pieces and decorate the tree with them in a dropping method. I also cut a foot long piece and folded it into itself and made like a flower and placed it into the tree in spots. I used a bronze deco mesh for that and a gold coloured one for the dropping. I also used a lot of drop crystals, they reflect beautifully all over the tree. I try to place most of the smaller ball ornaments at the top of the tree and the larger ones at the bottom. They are placed all over, not just on the ends but into the branches.
This year I went to the backyard and collected huckleberry branches, which I sprayed silver and added to the tree. I finished with white and red snowflakes all over the tree.
My favourite part of Christmas is the feeling of peace, love and joy that I experience, especially at this time of year. I remember the great gift of Jesus' birth and what that means in my life and my families.
What is your favourite Christmas memory?
I have so many favourite Christmas memories. My mother decorating the tree with angel hair. Staying up late for Smorgasbord with my grandparents and my family at my old house on McLean Street. Dad putting up the Christmas lights and me staring at them just before I fell asleep from my bedroom window. Our children getting excited Christmas morning. Eating cinnamon buns fresh out of the oven. Going to Christmas Eve Service and seeing our children on stage. The kids helping me decorate the tree, while we listen to Christmas carols. Watching Alister Simms Scrooge on TV and putting up the nativity scene on the mantel.
Did you use a colour scheme?
I went with a colour scheme of silver and gold then added red accents. I believe that you can't go wrong with silver and gold, just change the accent colour every year. I will probably go out after Christmas and try to find a new accent colour for next year on sale.
How would someone on a tight budget get this look?
The deco mesh is a cheap way to go. Also spraying huckleberry branches was cheap. I like shopping for next Christmas when all the great deals are on, like on boxing day.
What is the true meaning of Christmas?
Christmas is a time to be thankful for all that we have received from God. It is a time to reflect on his goodness to us and how we can share that goodness to others. Jesus came as a baby to this world as our first present, all we have to do is open it and find God's love to us.
Thank you so much Mom for sharing that with me and with all of my readers. I love Christmas. I must get it from you! It's such a wonderful time of year. I love all of my childhood memories of Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. The food, going to church, the family, the music and the lights. It's all so beautiful and lovely. I couldn't help but take pictures of my parents house. Not just the tree but also all of the Christmas decor is just wonderful.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
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