As we get closer to Christmas I think about traditions and how important they are to us. I started looking around for topics on Christmas traditions and culture and became fascinated with the tradition of the Christmas tree. I have previously mentioned that traditions here in Stillwaters include decorating lamp posts, putting lights on buildings and trees and all sorts of community activities.
Source: www.whychristmas.com
Trees have been decorated for Christmas since the 1500’s. Only these early trees were celebrated in the town square and then set afire (think of it like a Yule Log). There is some thought that the first person to bring a tree into the house may have been the 16th century German preacher Martin Luther. The story is told that he was out in the forest walking and looked up to see the stars shining through the trees branches. When he got home he told his children the it reminded him of Jesus, who left the stars of heaven to come to earth at Christmas.
In Germany the first trees were decorated with edible things, such as apples, gingerbread and colored papers. Then glass makers began making ornaments similar to what we see today. In Victorian times, the tree would have been decorated with candles to represent stars. Tinsel (also created in Germany) was originally made from thin strips of beaten silver. The first electric lights for trees was invented in 1895! More information is available by clicking HERE.
Enjoy decorating your tree this year and think about what a significant tradition this is.
A few Christmas Jokes for you:
What does Santa suffer from if he gets stuck in a chimney?
Claustrophobia!
Why does Santa have three gardens?
So he can ‘ho ho ho’!
What did the sea Say to Santa?
Nothing! It just waved!
What says Oh Oh Oh?
Santa walking backwards!
Why does Santa go down the chimney on Christmas Eve?
Because it ‘soots’ him!
What do you call Santa’s little helpers?
Subordinate clauses!
Why are Christmas trees so bad at sewing?
They always drop their needles!
Which of Santa’s reindeers have to mind their manners most?
Rude-olph!
How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas?
One that’s deep pan, crisp and even!
Happenings this Week:
Saturday, December 19th through Sunday, December 20th: Voetberg Family Christmas Raises Money for the Fox Now in its third year, the annual “A Voetberg Family Christmas” at Centralia’s Fox Theatre is quickly becoming a Christmas tradition for area families and an important fundraiser for the theatre. There will be three performances by the prolific family band as part of the event. The first is 7 p.m. Saturday. There are two additional performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday. Individual tickets cost $10 and family passes cost $40. Tickets are available at Fiddlers Coffee, Holley’s Place and www.brownpapertickets.com.
Every night through Christmas Eve: Fort Borst Park Drive-Thru Light Display, 5-9 p.m., admission $3 or $2 with can of food or new toy donation.
Weather:
Mostly rain is forecast through next week. On Christmas eve and Christmas day there is a chance of snow! 
1 COMMENT
Thank you for sharing the tradition of the Christmas tree! Very interesting. Miguel and I want to wish you the very best Christmas and much joy during this blessed time of the year!
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