Christmas Tree Topper Ornaments

From my childhood memories, pride of place on the top of Christmas tree always went to a fairy dressed in white. Or was it an angel? No, I'm sure it was the Christmas fairy; and she was usually last to go on the tree apart from the tinsel. One thing for sure, it was always after the other tree ornaments such as the hanging balls.

Life has become much more competitive since then, and the Christmas tree topping fairy has lots of competition now for the top spot, the Christmas-ornament-in-chief position.

So what competition does the classic Christmas tree fairy have, that will confine her to history as the star ornament. No, perhaps writing her off like that is premature; I should first mention that if you want a classic, antique Christmas tree fairy as your top tree ornament, then you can still find them; tracking them down online is not difficult. Aside from the nostalgia, though, there really is a big choice of Christmas tree toppers Christmas tree toppers these days. The fairy has a close ally, an angel, competing for that top spot as a Christmas tree character, and even Santa Claus has been muscling in on this prime real estate, presumably tired of being stereotyped as a chimney person.

I'm not sure if Santa is aware of this, but his insubordinate reindeer are also seeking the limelight behind his back, and will no doubt be seen this Christmas atop many a Christmas tree. Also, the increased fame of snowmen has gone to their heads a bit, and they too may be seen smiling out from the top of lots of brightly decorated trees.

Pride of place on the Christmas tree may also just go to a shape. A star can claim some relevance to Christmas, but other shapes too may be found in the Christmas-ornament-in-chief role.

While the Christmas tree fairy was usually a doll, nowadays you get all sorts of designs and materials. Hand painted metal, for example, is now common. As always, though, it is down to budget and taste when it comes to buying your Christmas tree toppers. But at least, you can be grateful that you have a choice that is now quite varied. That used to be far from the case.
Tip! Use a small white Christmas tree, and turn it into Frost, or an elf, Santa or a reindeer with a simple craft idea. Take felt and fabric cutouts for the eyes, nose, top hat, scarf, etc.

Your Christmas tree ornaments can, this year, bring a touch of uniqueness for your visitors to enjoy; and you of course!

This Christmas ornament article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner author of the Xmas-Ornament website.

Relax, get in the Christmas spirit, and read Roy's new Christmas Story, for adults or children, about Santa Claus and a little girl living on the edge of a tropical rainforest.

Christmas Tree Selection Guide

Before you select the perfect Christmas tree, consider a little planning to make room for your special guest. Choose the best area in your room for the tree, which would include a spot that is close to an electrical outlet. When you plug in your lights, you won't want a cord running along your floor, which could cause someone to trip and fall. There are so many things to think about when choosing a tree to celebrate your holidays. Do I want real or artificial? Should I buy pre-lit or plain? A few knowledgeable tips will guide you in the right direction.

Christmas Tree Tip #1: Artificial or Real

The first step is to decide whether you want a real or artificial tree. An artificial tree is beneficial to anyone who has allergies, but also if you just want to know that your tree will last for years. Artificial trees are nice because they do not have to be thrown out every year and they are always the same size and a perfect fit. On the other hand, there's nothing like the smell of a real Christmas tree. With real trees, there is a greater risk of fire and also the need to keep them hydrated regularly. A real Christmas tree requires a lot of maintenance and, if you're not up to it, an artificial may be the way to go.

Christmas Tree Tip #2: Will It Fit?

When selecting the perfect Christmas tree, choose one that will fit best in your home. Measure the spot for your tree before you go out shopping and keep those numbers close at hand. After you select an area in your home, measure the distance from your floor to the roof, along with the width of the space. Take a tape measure when you go to pick out your tree and make sure it will fit in the spot you chose.

Christmas Tree Tip #3: Is It Healthy?

If you're looking for a live tree, check the limbs to make sure they are nice and green. Also, look for any brown needles, which may be a sign of a tree that has not been freshly cut. A tree that is too dry could be a fire hazard, so watch out for any signs of needle loss or other symptoms of a damaged tree. You will want to choose one that looks healthy and full with beautiful branches, which will look festive when decorated. If you're planning to load the tree onto your car, place a protective sheet down on the top before adding the tree. This will protect your car from scratches, or sap, on the way home. Make sure that you choose a strong rope to secure the tree to your car.
Tip! Flame-Retardant Materials The materials used to manufacture the Christmas tree should be flame retardant to ensure the tree does not become a fire accelerator. The most common materials used on a flame-retardant Christmas tree are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene.

Christmas Tree Tip #4: Picking the Right Color

If you are buying a real tree, they only come in one color. But, if you are buying an artificial tree, you have the alternate option of white. While white Christmas trees are not as traditional as the green, there is something to be said for their beauty. Consider a white tree with blue lights, blue ornaments and white garland. A white Christmas tree is classic and stunning, especially with the right combination of decorations.

Christmas Tree Tip #5: Prelit or Plain?

Another advantage to artificial trees is that they are available in pre-lit designs. This saves decorating time and ensures that the lights are always perfectly spaced. Additionally, if you don't feel up to wrapping the lights around the tree yourself, a pre-lit tree allows you to enjoy the beauty of Christmas without the work of decorating.

For more great Christmas tree and Christmas light resources check out http://trees.christmashub.com and http://lights.christmashub.com

Christmas Tree Themes

The trend of decorating a Christmas tree around a ‘theme' has become quite popular. Instead of a hodgepodge of ornaments and garland strung here and there, decorating a Christmas tree has evolved into an organized craft. If you are new to the idea of decorating your tree with a theme or you are simply looking for new ideas, you've come to the right place. Here are some of the more common Christmas tree themes that the holiday stores are supplying for.

Almost everyone has a hobby. A very popular Christmas tree theme will revolve around a person's favorite hobby. If someone collects teddy bears, angels, and dolls or they love to fish, watch or play a sport or even has an interest in and collects cars, there is a theme available for everyone. The trouble families run into when deciding on a theme along these lines is how to agree on a hobby. Not every family shares the same interests.

Some families rotate the theme for their tree each year. Most families have a special event that they shared together in the past year. If a family traveled together to Hawaii, they might want to have a Hawaiian themed Christmas tree with shells, mini pineapples, little dancing figures in grass skirts etc.

Some people decorate their homes in what is considered a country style or a modern style. The decorations will reflect the environment of the home. If a country kitchen has a red and white checkered tablecloth in it, the tree is likely to follow that idea. The same goes for a modern decorated home. It might have unusual abstract items around the home and the tree would probably feature the same type of unique ornaments. The decorating style decides the theme of the tree.

Many more Christmas tree themes such as Victorian themes, Ocean or Seashore themes, Gingerbread themes, snowman themes, Santa Claus themes, Floral themes and Nativity themes are popular.

Whatever you desire to adorn your tree with, the more personally it touches you the more beautiful the tree will look. Have fun deciding on your theme and have a happy holiday!

This article appears in the Christmas 2004 issue of 'Celebrating Christmas PDF Magazine'. To download a FREE copy of the entire magazine, go to http://www.celebrating-christmas.com/magazine.shtml

How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree

Did you ever look in the windows of those grand department stores and wonder how they got their Christmas trees to look so perfect?

It's not nearly as difficult as it looks. And I'll share the secret here.

1. The tree - not that it matters a whole lot what the tree is, but my favorite tree is the fat rounded kind with branches that allow a bit of space between, but not so much that you can see through them. I love the smell of fresh pine. But in my particular case, with an allergy to pine, I find the most adorable fake tree I can find and make it look as much like a real tree as possible.

2. The lights - Whatever kind of lights you choose, get enough to cover the tree well, but if you are going to add ornaments, you need less lights and more sparkle. I like to bury the lights just a bit inside the branches, so I add the lights as I put up the branches a couple of rounds per layer, so there's some depth to the tree, a few glowing lights hidden inside the branches.

3. The garland - If you want garland of some kind on your tree, now is the time to add it. After the light are on, the tree is up, walk around the tree with the garland in your hand and drop generous swags of garland between the branches of the tree, allowing them to fall freely and gracefully. My favorite garlands are thin ribbon with a nice satin sheen to reflect the lights, beads, or for a natural look, some popcorn and dried berries strung on a thread.

4. The ornaments - A wide variety of ornaments depicting a specific theme work very well. My ornaments are mostly gold and white with some dark red or Christmas red and Navy blue thrown in for accent. I have angels, drummer boys, toy soldiers, glass orbs, stars, sleighs, a rocking horse or two, some crystal bells with carved ornaments inside, and some crystal ornaments with imprints of the nativity. When I look for ornaments, I look for things that say "Christmas" to me, and fit in the color scheme I've chosen for my tree.

Occasionally, my kids get the better of me and we use colored lights instead of white lights on the tree. Those years, anything goes on the tree branches, and we've done everything from stuffed animals and hot wheels cars hung in the tree to paper ornaments cut out of colored paper. Spirals, paper chains, and glued ornaments with glitter all go in our collection.
Tip! Wash your hands It does not matter if you have an artificial Christmas tree or a real/fresh cut Christmas tree, you should wash your hands after you decorate the tree. Both artificial and fresh cut trees are not something you want to put in your mouth.

5. The topper - Whatever you want to put on top of your tree - make sure it's big enough to be seen. Our tree usually gets an angel or a star. I have a selection. My tree is 7 feet tall, and my star is well over a foot tall. My angel on the other hand is not so big, because she's always competing with the angels on the tree - so she can't be too huge.
Tip! You have more than ten Christmas trees in your house and it is not a large house.

If it's a color year, we make a new star out of colored paper or fabric and attach all kinds of shinys to it with glue. Last year, we had a bright yellow star with silver glitter and gold braid along the edges of a six pointed Star of David. It was awesome.

6. The tree skirt - Under it all you need something to hold the packages, and the finish it off. I have a white braid and ribbon skirt this year. It started out as a circle of cloth and I was just stitching some ribbon along the edge - I ended up with layers of ribbon spreading out around the base of my tree. The best part is, I don't have to put many presents under a tree that has a great skirt.

I've found a great adornment for my Christmas tree is a nativity that I can set under the edge of the branches, in plain sight. The star on top is a special touch - and the boughs of the evergreen protect it. Everyone notices the nativity under the tree, and I have a special place where children look and ask questions, so I can tell them the story of Jesus birth.
Tip! If you are buying a natural tree, remember to put the Christmas mat below it before you put it on the stand. Some christmas tree skirts and mats come with a slit in the center and buttons or Velcro fastens others.

Of course, there's another nativity on an end table, another in my dining room, and another in each of the bedrooms, because I love nativities.

After all, what is Christmas all about?

Merry Christmas!

Share the season of giving! Enjoy the blessing that is yours for the taking, by giving to others.

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Top 10 Pre Lit Artificial Christmas Tree Safety Tips

1. UL Listed Christmas Lights UL Listed means that the lights are certified by Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. (UL). UL knows a thing or two about Christmas lights as they have certified Christmas lights since 1905. Make absolutely certain the lights installed on the Christmas tree are UL Listed. Each string of Christmas lights on a pre lit Christmas tree should have the "UL Listed" tag attached near the plug.

2. Non-Twist Light Sockets The bulbs in cheap Christmas lights can easily twist in their sockets. Ensure the bulbs on the Christmas light strings have an anti-twist mechanism in the bulb and socket. This provides safety and reliability by preventing the bulb from twisting in the socket. Most inexpensive Christmas lights are easily twisted in the socket causing the light and string to go out. In the worst cases, a twisted light could create a fire hazard.

This is particularly important in homes with small children.

3. Single Pole versus Frame Tree The majority of residential Christmas trees are "Single Pole" construction which means there is one pole in the center of the tree where all branches attach. This method of construction can be used for trees up to 12-14 feet high.

Above 12-14 feet, "Frame Tree" construction is the preferred method. Frame Tree construction means there is a steel frame resembling a cone-shaped jungle gym with branches attached to the frame. Frame Tree construction trees are a must for outdoor Christmas tree installations. The high quality frame trees are designed so the frame can be secured to the ground or a structure.

4. Steel versus Plastic Tree Stands Many manufacturers use plastic for the base of their trees. Plastic bases should be avoided as the base of the tree must securely withstand the weight of the tree. Plastic tree stands may flex or break.

5. Rolling Christmas Tree Stand A decorated Christmas tree may weight 30-60% more than an undecorated tree. For this reason, it is recommended that a Christmas tree stand with wheels attached is used if there is any chance you will need to move your tree. A fully decorated Christmas tree is too heavy to safely move without a rolling stand.
Tip! When decorating a christmas tree remember to make it uniquely yours by adding heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation. Another nice touch is Christmas cards or cookies and candies that you have made in your own kitchen.

6. Weight Distribution The weight distribution of a Christmas tree is critical. The weight of the branches should be distributed over the center pole or frame of the tree. Weight distribution is critical for homes with small children and for outdoor commercial Christmas trees.

7. Flame-Retardant Materials The materials used to manufacture the Christmas tree should be flame retardant to ensure the tree does not become a fire accelerator. The most common materials used on a flame-retardant Christmas tree are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene.
Tip! He/she has to follow all the necessary rules in handling or taking care of the Christmas tree.

8. Christmas Light Maintenance Many miniature light strings manufactured today stay lit if one or two bulbs burn out. It is important to look once or twice a week for burned out bulbs. Consequently, if a bulb burns out, the other lights take on more power. For example, if 5 lights burn out on a 25-light string of lights, each remaining light takes on 25% more electricity. This causes all remaining lights to burn out very rapidly and ruin the sockets as well.

9. Wash your hands It does not matter if you have an artificial Christmas tree or a real/fresh cut Christmas tree, you should wash your hands after you decorate the tree. Both artificial and fresh cut trees are not something you want to put in your mouth.

10. Use a surge protector A pre lit Christmas tree is not as important as the home computer but at least plug the tree into a surge protector. This protects your investment in the tree from power surges. Most importantly, the switch on the surge protector makes it easy to not forget the most important point of pre lit Christmas tree safety -- Shut off the lights before leaving the house or going to bed!!!
Tip! Whether you are decorating a natural or prelit artificial tree remember that less is always more. Otherwise the tree could look very cluttered is is not just the general rule of thumb of christmas tree decorating.

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Bill Quinn is the Christmas tree expert at ChristmasTreeForMe.com To learn more from Bill, please review our Christmas Tree Buyer's Guide.

Ten Tips For Decorating a Christmas Tree

Now that it's the holiday season everyone is busy thinking about his or her Christmas Trees. There are tricks and tips to help you create a unique look that fits in your home and adds sparkle to your holiday celebrations. Whether real or artificial, a little imagination can take that blank canvas and turn it into something really magical that will brighten your whole holiday season.

You can start by looking for ideas on the trees you see in public places like malls or hotel lobbies. These are great places to get ideas that you can easily bring to your own tree.
Tip! Maintain the Christmas tree at its best.

Here are some great tips for creating a beautiful tree

1. Your tree will stand in you room till the holiday season ends so it should have a visual impact. The space in your room will determine the size of the tree you can have. This is important to consider especially if you want to enhance your ornaments.

2. Decide on the overall look you like. The more branch tips your tree has, the more ornaments and decorations are needed. If you want your tree to have an informal look, select a tree that has long needles and upswept branches. If you want something more formal, select a tree that has down swept branches and with short needles.

3. Pay attention to lighting. There is a general rule in deciding the number of lights for a tree — a one foot tree should have about 40-50 lights. The simplest thing to do is buy a pre-lit tree, no mess and easy storage. But if you do the lights yourself, hang them inside the tree, for a twinkling effect. Stringing the lights on the outer edges, over the tips of the branches won't look right. Remember to keep the amount of light uniform, without and unfilled spaces.
Tip! If you are buying a natural tree, remember to put the Christmas mat below it before you put it on the stand. Some christmas tree skirts and mats come with a slit in the center and buttons or Velcro fastens others.

4. Add garland. Whether you choose traditional garland or beaded garland, you can get a great look. If you want traditional, swag your garland from the top to the bottom, and also around the back of the tree. The swag of your garland will depend on the width of your tree. Twist the garland at the tip and it should be smaller as it reaches the top of the tree. Another style is to double swag your garland and form it into a spiral garland. Some prefer using ribbon that falls from the top of the tree down along to the bottom.

5. Use fillers. You must use fillers in order to give the tree an enchanting look. Some people don't do this but it is a great way to give your tree a new look.

6. Choose a color scheme. Use a single color or two complimentary ones to give your tree a coordinated, decorator look. Try traditional choices such as red and gold, or something different like pink and white. Use ornaments of these colors and keep the garland in the same color family as well.
Tip! When decorating a christmas tree it is best not to throw clumps of tinsel at the tree as if they were handfuls of spaghetti. The most attractive effect is achieved by hanging clumps of tinsel just at the very edges of each branch.

7. Dare to be different. Decorate according to what you like, even if it isn't the "traditional" way. Use your favorite hobby, ornaments collected on vacations, or old style bulbs to create a look that's truly your own. This will create a unique, personal holiday expression that is sure to be a conversation starter.

8. Don't forget the handmade ornaments. No matter what style you are trying to achieve, the hand made ornaments of your own childhood, or those of family members can be wonderful additions to any tree, and compliment any style.

9. Cover the base of your tree with a colorful tree skirt so that the gifts underneath will rest on a pretty background. This makes the packages look even more festive, and looks good after the presents are unwrapped too.

10. Top it off. Use a star, an angel or a large bow — whatever suits your individual taste.

Jo Williams has an interest in Home and Garden related topics. To access more information on christmas tree shops or on christmas tree ornaments, please click on the links.

Finding The Right Christmas Tree

Before you buy a Christmas tree, you need to think about where in your house you plan to display your tree. Be sure you think not only about how high the tree can be, but how wide as well. You'll want to avoid placing your tree near fireplaces and the television because the heat tends to dry up the tree so it will not last as long.

The best time to shop for your Christmas tree to make sure you get the best one is in mid November. Of course, the most common and popular time to pick out a tree is two to three weeks before Christmas. If you want a fresh tree, you should shop in a reputable farm or a nice tree lot. Pick out the best tree that you can afford.

When shopping, consider:

• Quality • Look • Freshness

If you want to know if the tree is still fresh, grab a branch and pull it towards you. If only a few needles fall off (five to ten), you have found yourself a healthy tree. A strong fragrance is another way you can tell if a tree is fresh.

The three most popular types of Christmas trees are Scotch pine has long needles that tend to stay on the branch for a good long time.

Short needle trees have needles that are silver on one side and green on the other.Balsam fir has short needles and a strong sweet scent that everyone loves.
Tip! I know this article is supposed to be about decorating a christmas tree but let's start first with removing the decorations. Think back to last year.

After freshness, the next thing to look for in your tree is a good, uniform shape, without huge gaps between the branches. Also you need to check that the tree you are considering is not leaning on one side. Choose a tree with a firm and solid base. Once you have chosen the perfect Christmas tree for your home, make sure that you transport it safely. You must protect it from the wind by placing it in a van or truck if you can. If not, tie it securely (top to the front of the vehicle) to the top of the car. When you get it home, don't forget to water your tree so that it will last longer and stay fresher.

If you are looking for an artificial tree, you still need to think about the height of the tree. Bigger trees cost a lot and they contain lots branches and twigs so you'll need a lot of ornaments to hang in the branches.
Tip! Prelit Christmas trees come ready decorated, so you can have your tree ready in a matter of minutes, without the need to spend time hanging decorations and untangling last year's light bulbs.

Jo Williams has an interest in Home and Garden related topics. To access more information on christmas trees or on artificial christmas trees, please click on the links.

Christmas Gift Ideas: The Treasures Under The Tree

Hear ye! Hear ye! The ‘ber' months will be here before you know it!

When people start to hear about months ending in B-E-R, they all feel the clock sounding tic toc as it fast approaches the holiday season.

Christmas is the season to be jolly…. Falalalalalalala! For the kids, it's the merry month where they get so overly excited about gifts and other stuff that Santa brings. And for most, it's the time of the year when all the streets are busy and filled up with traffic while people swoon over shopping malls to find the perfect Christmas gift ideas for their families and friends.

Christmas gift ideas need not to be repetitive or monotonous. One might say "Oh, I know what I'll be getting this Christmas. If its from Aunt Jane, it'll be a north pole replica paperweight." Or "Mrs. Dunst will give me another box of her fruit cake. That has been her gift giving trademark for as long as I can remember." Hey, there are lots of Christmas gift ideas you can up with! Be creative, resourceful and imaginative! Don't you want people to remember you for the nicest and most unique Christmas gift ideas you send them every year?

Here are some new and exciting Christmas gift ideas to help you out:

1. Chef Santa on the run!

Cooking is not only a mommy's craft. This Christmas gift idea is a fun learning activity for the whole family. While all the ingredients are available in the grocery down town, it is also a perfect time to teach your kids or friends some cooking and baking lessons. Try experimenting on your home-made fruitcake, gingerbread house, and Christmas cookies. This is not only a classic Christmas gift idea, but a sure fun way to develop your craft for cooking.

2. Relive the sound of Christmas carols

Everyone has a favorite Christmas song. But wouldn't it a nice Christmas gift idea to make a compilation of old and new Christmas songs sung by various artists? A perfect Christmas gift idea that sounds music to the ears!

3. Candies, anyone!

No matter how candy canes are soooo last year, they are still a hit to all kids! Instead of the traditional white and red striped candy canes. Why not try on some chocolate candy cane? A strawberry candy cane? Or an orange candy cane? Have as many variety of candy cane as you can and try to come up with repackaged gift bags to make it more enticing. Kids, or even teens, will surely love this Christmas gift idea.
Tip! You may have heard that decorating a christmas tree with electric lightbulbs is much safer than decorating them the old fashioned way with candles. This is true as long as you obey one cardinal rule: don't rest a bulb directly against the branches of the tree.

4. Christmas craft and decorations

Surprise your pal with this personalized Christmas gift idea. If he is a die-hard music lover cut out some musical notes or his favorite icons that he can hang around the tree. I'm sure he'd love to have something that no one else has. This cool Christmas gift idea is so unique and adds a bit of your personal touch.

5. Frame it up!

Want to bring your special someone in tears? No, I mean tears of joy. This cool Christmas gift idea will surely melt a snow. I mean, your sweetie's heart. Try to create and design a picture frame and draw yourselves as Mr. and Mrs. Santa. Or if you aren't artistic enough to draw, cut out some pictures and replace their faces with yours and your honey's and be sure to pick your best and sweetest shot. This will make him/her think how much effort did you exert to come up with a sweet Christmas gift idea like this.
Tip! Prelit Christmas trees come ready decorated, so you can have your tree ready in a matter of minutes, without the need to spend time hanging decorations and untangling last year's light bulbs.

These are just some of the hundreds of Christmas gift ideas, you can come up with every year. Whether you bought it in a shopping mall or you've made it yourself, be sure to pick the right Christmas gift idea for the right person. After all, it's the thought that count!

Mark Dietzel operates Santas-Wonder-Land.com a website dedicated to Christmas gift ideas

Turning Christmas Tree History Upside Down

The history of upside down Christmas trees goes as far back as the middle ages, when residents of Europe hung their xmas trees upside down as a representation of the holy trinity. Of course, that is not the most common method of displaying today's Christmas tree, as what it now represents, right side up, is the tip of the tree pointing to heaven. Because of this modern attitude and style, there are those that think an upside down Christmas tree could be a sacrilege or at least a sign of disrespect.

Though there is no clear history of upside down Christmas trees we do know some of how it came about.

During 600 AD a British monk traveled to Germany to preach the word of God. He spent a lot of time in Thuringia, an area destined to become the home of the first secular xmas decorations. Here the monk, according to upside down Christmas tree history, decided to make the triangular shape a representation of the Holy Trinity made up of God the father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.

The Europeans he converted started to revere the monk's upside down Christmas tree, so history tells us, as the Tree of God. By the 1100's the upside down tree was appearing hanging from nearly every central European ceiling.

The first decorated Christmas tree appeared in 1510 in Latvia. A little later in that century history tells us that Martin Luther decorated a Christmas tree with candles as a way of explaining to his children how the stars shone in the night sky.

Gaily-decorated Christmas trees, not yet upside down, were first documented in Strasbourg Germany in 1601. The decorations were barley sugar twists, wafers and multi-colored flowers.

Nancy Fitzgerald makes it quick and easy to find the best Christmas trees Read expert information here.

Which Came First: Santa or the Christmas Tree?

You think Santa Claus and decorated trees when you think Christmas, right? The Jolly One probably comes first as the number one symbol of the holiday, but there's no mistaking that Christmas trees are nearly just as important when it comes to celebrating the holiday right.

Santa Claus and Christmas trees are so intertwined, so connected, in how we celebrate, it makes one think that Santa maybe even invented the Christmas tree. After all, it's Santa who places everyone's presents underneath the tree. Maybe back in the old days, before trees, he used to place presents under children's beds and in the bathtub. And maybe eventually he got tired of it, and instead invented Christmas trees as a convenient and fun place for him to leave presents. Makes sense, right?

Maybe, but Santa had little to do with the real reason that Christmas trees came about. Sorry to disappoint you folks, but it was actually German Christians who started the Christmas tree celebration, way back in the 1500s. And as for decorating these trees, the story goes that one of the top Christians of them all, Martin Luther, started decorating his family's tree in the 1500s with lit candles. He got the idea one night walking home under the stars.

Then the idea really caught on in the mid-1800s, when the Queen of England and her children started decorating a tree for Christmas. Sketches of the royal family with their decorations got put in all the major newspapers, and soon every good Englishman was starting a new family tradition: decorating their house and home with colorful decorations and freshly smelling, beautifully green evergreen trees.

In America, however, we were a little bit slow, not just with decorating Christmas trees but with celebrating Santa Claus and anything else 'extra' in their Christmas festivities. That's because up until the very end of the 1800s, Americans saw Christmas as a very religious holiday. There was no room for chubby men in red suits, or bright decorations and candles, and even a Christmas tree. All Americans did back then was go to church service. Period.

But then the Queen of England enjoyed her Christmas tree. And many immigrants to the United States, especially the German ones, celebrated December 25 with trees, lights, and holiday cheer. Eventually, the fun caught on. In true American fashion, though, Americans not only took on the tradition of Christmas trees and decorations, they improved on it. Every thing had to be bigger, better, and more festive!

For example, at the turn of the 20th century, Europeans tended to like their trees manageable, at only about the height of your typical sixth grader. But when Americans started catching on to the tree tradition, they decided they liked their trees big, so big that they touched the ceiling of their homes.

Then Americans took it one step further with the invention of electricity in homes. Trees were braided with strings of multicolored lights. Homes were covered with decorations of every color, blinking lights, and Santa Claus statues with his sleigh of reindeer. Even towns and cities started setting up Santa Claus displays around Town Hall, as well as Christmas trees that reached to the sky.
Tip! When choosing the right size of the skirt will depend on how large your Christmas tree is and also take note of the diameter of your tree. Remember that it should be enough to fully cover the tree stand and it should never extend on the average width of the branches of your tree.

Randy Stocklin is the co-founder of the popular website http://www.mailfromsantaclaus.com, which offers personalized letters from Santa Claus.

Unique Christmas Tree Themes

If you are a style maven who is a bit bored with the traditional then you might be interested in unique christmas tree themes. Here are some unique suggestions for christmas tree themes that are sure to be real conversation starters.

The Christmas Cocktail Party Tree

This christmas tree theme looks great on both big and small trees. First, if your tree is not a prelit tree try stringing it with a string of novelty lights instead of the usual egg shaped lights. You can buy plastic novelty lights in the shape of Chinese Lanterns (for a 50's feel), chili peppers (for that modern martini bar feel) and Pink Flamingos (for that Tikki cocktail party atmosphere.)

Then try decorating the tree with tiny cocktail parasols and multicolored cocktail picks. If your tree is really big you could also decorate it with plastic champagne glasses into which you have glued sequins or glitter. Miniature chocolates filled with liquor also make nice tree decorations.

The Gingerbread Tree

This most gorgeous of christmas tree themes never goes out of style. It looks best on a green or red tree. Decorate it with gingerbread man cookies, red glass balls, tons of candy canes, red velvet bows and homemade paper snowflake ornaments.


This tree looks great accented it with white or gold beaded garland or a bushy red or white tinsel garland. or icicle-look garland. Top it with a Christmas themed stuffed white or brown teddy bear.

The Chocolate and Gold Tree

This is probably the trendiest of the christmas tree themes described here. It looks great on a red artificial tree. The color scheme in this case is reds, browns and golds. Tiny twinkling gold and red lights look best. Think of the eighties when you decorate this one. Decorate this tree with walnuts, pinecones and chocolates wrapped in foil. Gold coins are a nice touch. Then tie large transclucent gold and red ribbons, using the kind of ribbon that has bendable wire inside onto the ends of the trees. The ultimate effect of this tree should be very opulent and lush.

The New Baby Tree

If you are celebrating the birth of a child or a child's first birthday this is a great tree to honor how happy you are about the new arrival in your home. The decorations suggested look great on any kind of tree but you could consider buying a small blue or pink artificial tree. This is a good idea so any toddlers or infants around can't get ahold of any shed needles. Also if you buy prelit artificial trees then you don't have to worry about them yanking lights and pulling the whole thing down. If you have lots of toddlers around then you might want to opt for a small ceramic christmas tree until they are old enough not to grab at decorations and xmas tree limbs.
Tip! When decorating a christmas tree make sure that you unsnarl the lights before you try to drape them around the tree. It is also safest to make sure all the bulbs are working before you try to do this too.

Pink, mint green, lavender and blue frosted glass christmas balls look particularly nice on pink or blue artificial trees. You can also decorate these trees with baby toys, baby bottles filled with candy, teddy bears, baby booties and socks, pacifiers and wooden alphabet blocks. Little stuffed animals look great on this type of tree and a larger teddy bear or soft plush toy makes a great tree topper. If the baby is a girl you might want to consider topping the tree with a doll dressed as an angel.

The Peppermint Twist Tree

This most minimalist of christmas tree themes looks fantastic on a bright white, prelit artificial tree. The color scheme of this is red and white but you can add a touch of green in the lights that you string around it. Purists however think that keeping the whole thing red and white in every way looks best.
Tip! Whether you are decorating a natural or prelit artificial tree remember that less is always more. Otherwise the tree could look very cluttered is is not just the general rule of thumb of christmas tree decorating.

When it comes to the decorations stick with red and white round glass balls. Red and white frosted glass balls look much better than the conical ones. Also festoon the branches with as many red and white peppermint candy canes as you can find. Remember too that you can also stripe red or white christmas balls with white or red glitter by simply adding some glue in a striped shape to the ball and rolling it in the glitter.

You can also accent this look with red and white ball shaped peppermint candies. A large lollipop with red and white striping and surrounded by a sunburst bouquet of candy canes makes a great tree topper.

The Sea Side Tree

This most unusual of christmas tree themes looks best on artificial trees in aqua or light blue colors. However it would also suit any tree that has a coral color such as light orange or pink.
Tip! Weight Distribution The weight distribution of a Christmas tree is critical. The weight of the branches should be distributed over the center pole or frame of the tree.

This tree is decorated with treasures from the sea including seashells, sea horses, and ornaments made from aquarium decorations (treasure chests, coins and corals.) Strings of pearls can be used as a garland and novelty lights shaped like seashells or even fish can be strung to enhance the aquatic theme.

The Snow and Ice Tree

This is one of the most unusual of christmas tree themes as it is white and icy blue instead of the more familiar red and green. First decorate it with a garland of novelty lights shaped like icicles or snowflakes. Your decorations should be made of see through plastic or crystal so it looks like the tree is dripping with frozen, glittering shapes. Instead of cotton batten, drape the tree with faux spider webs or cotton shreddings to simulate boughs heavy with snow. You can even mound this cotton at the ends of the bough so it looks like it has been clumped there.

Your final step is to spray the whole thing down generously with flocking. Flocking is simulated snow that comes in an aerosol can. You can spray this stuff on just about any kind of tree including artificial prelit christmas trees and ceramic trees to make them look frostier.
Tip! Wash your hands It does not matter if you have an artificial Christmas tree or a real/fresh cut Christmas tree, you should wash your hands after you decorate the tree. Both artificial and fresh cut trees are not something you want to put in your mouth.

This treatment is stunning on a white artificial tree but it also looks great on red, purple, blue or other artificial trees as all of the white provides a nice contrast to the tree's original color.

For more information on Christmas trees, visit http://www.o-christmas-tree.com - a year-round resource for all your christmas tree and decoration needs.

The 10 Christmas Decoration Tips You Must Know

Decorating for Christmas is one of the best things about the holidays. The twinkling of lights, the sight of a perfectly trimmed tree and a perfectly placed wreath adorning your front door are all gentle reminders of the joyous Christmas season.

When decorating your home, you want the décor to reflect your own personal style while keeping the Christmas tradition always present. A few tips can help make this holiday decorating season even brighter.

Christmas Decoration Tip #1: Lights Out

With each year that passes, Christmas lights tend to burn out at some point. Unless you have a strand that burns with the exception of the troublesome light, it can be a real headache to find the faulty bulb. Consider investing in a light tester, which will check each individual light and detect the one that needs replacing. These can be found with the Christmas supplies at most department stores.

Christmas Decoration Tip #2: Angels Nearby

Whenever possible, decorate your home with angels. They add a touch of peace and tranquility to your home and we all need to know that there are angels watching over us.
Tip! A. Save time by getting all your Christmas decorations organized so it's quick and easy to find them next year.

Christmas Decoration Tip #3: Be fruity

Prepare a fruit-filled clear glass bowl as a centerpiece for your dining room table. Nothing smells like Christmas as much as an orange or a nice fruit combination.

Decoration Tip #4: Add a personal touch

If you hang Christmas stockings, consider personalizing them with your name, your spouses name and those of your children. These days, even pets have stockings, so don't forget to add Fido's name on a stocking. You can easily personalize a traditional stocking using a glitter pen, preferably one that writes in silver or gold. A personalized stocking is a nice idea and a special added touch.

Christmas Decoration Tip #5: Pucker up

Decorate your home with poinsettia and mistletoe, which are both holiday traditions. A nice artificial poinsettia plant will always be beautiful and is easy to take care of - no water required. A mistletoe is always a nice touch and especially if you just need one more reason to smooch.
Tip! Of course, christmas decorations don't have to be expensive. You can make your own out of paper that is cut into the shape of snowflakes and other xmas themes.

Christmas Decoration Tip #6: Working with wreaths

.Don't forget to place a beautiful green wreath on the front door of your home. Make sure to add a red bow for a brightening touch! Artificial wreaths will last year after year, but real wreaths do have a wonderful scent. If you want to add wreath's to the windows in your home, consider purchasing a magnetic wreath hanger. This type of hanger comes in two parts - one goes on the inside of your home and the piece with the hook will go on the outside. These hangers have been around for years, but they are steadily beginning to gain in popularity. The magnets are so strong that they can work through doors and windows, which is ideal for hanging wreaths on the outside of your home without the fuss of a traditional plastic wreath hanger, which drapes across the top of your door.

Christmas Decoration Tip #7: A perfect fit

When choosing a Christmas tree, make sure to measure the preferred location from side to side and from floor to roof. You will want to make sure that perfect tree fits when you bring it home. Artificial trees are easy care, but a real tree requires plenty of water.
Tip! The important thing to remember here is that when doing your outdoor Christmas decorations, make it fun. Have a peak at your neighbours and you will see the enthusiasm some people have just to get that decor perfect for Christmas.

Christmas Decoration Tip #8: It's all about tradition

It's nice to start a family tradition by decorating your tree on a certain day each year. Perhaps after Thanksgiving dinner, the whole family can spend the evening dressing their home for Santa.

Christmas Decoration Tip #9: Shop smart

Make sure that all electric decorations are UL listed to ensure that they have been tested for quality and safety. Don't forget to unplug everything before you leave home or go to bed at night.

Christmas Decoration Tip #10: Say Cheese

Always remember to have plenty of film and batteries for the camera. Now that you have the perfect decorations, don't forget to capture them on film.

For more great Christmas decoration related resources check out http://decorations.christmashub.com