Holiday decorations usually start with a fir tree, a tradition which began in Central Europe during the 16th century. Protestant, Christian reformer, Martin Luther, is said to have first added lighted candles to an evergreen tree in his Germany home.
One of our first trees when we had three little children was a “cut your own.” Grandparents accompanied us to the farm. The proprietor provided the saw and Ken cut down a five-foot-tall evergreen. Our ceilings were only seven-foot, so a taller tree wouldn’t fit.
For several years, getting our tree was an event. On a Sunday afternoon in December, we met with Jon and Susan and their children plus Wayne and Gloria with their family and went to Williams Tree Farm on Yale Bridge Road. After we’d each selected a pine and husbands had used ropes to tie them to individual car roofs, we all went to Jon and Susan’s home for a chili supper. This continued for only a short time before moves ended the tradition.
For years, our family continued to make an annual trip to the same farm. A few of the ornaments we use date back to my childhood. When I took over making the family Christmas Eve supper, my folks quit having a tree and passed their decorations to us.
Our tree has always been set up in front of a window so the lights could be seen by passers-by. Neither my folks nor Ken and I have done exterior decorating. While I was growing up and continuing with our children, we went for an evening ride to see the outdoor decorations in nearby towns. Some communities sponsor contests among residents who light-up outside.
Although, tree farms have proliferated, we converted to an artificial tree a few years ago. Ken got tired of cleaning up the dry needles when Christmas was over and he took down the tree.
How do you decorate for Christmas?