Christmas Decorations

There are many different types of Christmas decorations. They come in all sizes, shapes, colors and prices. The Christmas tree is one of the most common household decorations. The tree is the main focus point in traditional households during the Christmas season. Christmas decorations include lights, stockings, wreaths, ornaments, garland, icicles, paper garland, chains of popcorn and cranberries, and a star for the top of the tree. Christmas decorations date back to the Romans when they celebrated their winter solstice, honoring their god, Saturn. They made and exchanged decorative wreaths made from evergreen trees. The early English believed that by placing a wreath inside their homes would keep evil spirits away. The custom of Christmas decorations came from Germany. Prince Albert set up a tree in Windsor Castle, and he had his servants decorate the tree with tiny gifts, candies, and fruits. This soon began a Christmas tradition passed down through the generations. Christmas decorations can be displayed just about anywhere. The roof, the front porch, the yard, the door, the windows, and of course the Christmas tree. Don't forget the mistletoe. Mistletoe has been a legacy in Christmas decorations. Mistletoe has been highly respected in Northern nations of Europe. The Celts, the Druids, and the Goths are well known to use mistletoe for their ceremonial purposes. Americans also have a tradition with the mistletoe. If two people are caught standing under the mistletoe they have to exchange kisses. Stockings hung on the mantle of the

fireplace are another major tradition in Christmas decorations. The tradition of hanging stockings on the mantle originated with a theory of a kind widower who was left in despair after his wife's death. He lived with his three daughters. He found himself broke and depressed after wasting much money on failed inventions. One night his daughter washed out their stockings and hung them up to dry. St. Nicholas, who knew of the man's troubles dropped by his cottage after he and his daughters had went to bed. He saw that they had hung their stockings on the mantle. This soon inspired him to put gifts into their stockings. The next morning the daughters awoke to find their stockings full of gold.