The Christmas tree, a symbol of eternal life, nature, and the spirit of the season, has its origins in pagan ceremonies and was later transformed by Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Its origins can be traced back to Saint Boniface falling a giant oak in Germany in the early eighth century, who legend has it that a fir tree grew out of the fallen oak and became a symbol of Christ.
The tradition of decorating Christmas trees began long before Christianity, with pagan roots as a celebration of peace and prosperity on the Winter Solstice. Evergreens were believed to keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness. They were also used to decorate temples by the Romans.
A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer, such as a spruce, pine, or fir, or an artificial tree of similar appearance. Bringing evergreen trees indoors has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals by both Pagans and Christians for thousands of years.
Religious or spiritual themes can be made connections to the use of evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands to symbolize eternal life. The ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews used tree worship to make connections to religious themes. Blue and white decorations often symbolize snow and winter, while red decorations symbolize the blood of Christ.
The decorating of Christmas trees is now associated with the spirit of giving and receiving gifts, embracing the holiday season, and eternal life. Whether you pick your tree from a pine tree patch or display it in homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Adam and Eve, the Christmas tree is a symbol of the spirit of giving and receiving gifts.
📹 Christmas Tree Decorations Ideas / Red And Silver Christmas Tree / Ramon At Home
Christmas Tree Decorations Ideas / Red And Silver Christmas Tree / Ramon At Home #christmasdecor #christmastree …
Why do we hang decorations on a Christmas tree?
Hanging ornaments on a Christmas tree is a tradition that originated in Germany during the 16th century. It symbolizes family and is enjoyable for decorating. Common items used for hanging ornaments include ornament hangers, string, ribbons, floral wire, twist ties, and clear fishing lines. The best way to hang ornaments depends on the type of ornament and the location. Metal or plastic hooks are ideal for heavier ornaments, while ribbons and strings are suitable for lighter ones.
Why is decorating a Christmas tree important?
Traditional Christmas decorations include stars, angels, fruit, and Father Christmas, all of which have roots in faith. The angel symbolizes the nativity and the star represents Jesus as the light of the world. These traditions also guide the use of lights on the tree. Colors also have their own traditions, with red and gold baubles and red and green baubles representing winter flora, green for evergreen holly or mistletoe plants, red for seasonal berries, and gold representing the sun.
Blue and white or blue and silver baubles represent various symbols, such as the Jewish faith, peace or snow, white for peace or snow, blue for the sky or heaven, and Mary, Jesus’ mother. Christmas Tree World offers a wide range of baubles and other Christmas decorations to inspire your decorating. For more festive tips, visit the Christmas Tree World blog or use our Christmas tree decoration calculator.
What do the Christmas tree decorations symbolize?
The evergreen tree is a symbol of hope and renewal, while blue and white decorations represent snow and winter, symbolizing purity and peace. In contrast, red decorations represent Jesus’ blood, symbolizing his sacrifice and redemption.
What was the purpose of a Christmas tree?
In Christianity, the Christmas tree symbolizes Jesus Christ’s birth and resurrection, with its branches and bushes representing immortality. Each ornament on the tree holds a special meaning, representing spiritual qualities like peace, love, kindness, joy, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. Christians place great emphasis on decorating the tree, as it provides a memorable experience for the entire family. Each year, members gather to adorn the tree with various ornaments and make wishes for a healthy and joyful life.
Why do you decorate your house for Christmas?
Holiday decorating not only evokes past memories but also creates new ones and traditions. From hanging tree toppers to stringing lights, it’s essential to create new memories and foster old ones. To optimize your holiday decorating experience, start early and focus on creating a winter wonderland. This will help you burn out faster than a candle in a winter storm.
To maximize the emotional benefits of holiday decor, start by decorating your home early, as it can help heighten the emotional impact of the season. Start by arranging your decorations, such as hanging tree toppers or stringing lights, and gradually work your way up to the final look.
What is the message of the Christmas tree?
The Christmas tree, a tradition originating from Roman culture, has come to symbolize various aspects of the holiday season. These include the exchange of gifts, the embracing of the holiday season, and the concept of eternal life. Furthermore, they symbolize light.
Why do Christmas decorations make people happy?
The festive decorations that adorn our homes during the Christmas season can evoke feelings of joy and contentment in many individuals. The bright lights and colors that illuminate our surroundings during this time play a role in chromotherapy, a form of alternative medicine that employs the use of color to influence mood and energy levels. It should be noted that this may not be the case for all individuals.
What is the main purpose of Christmas?
Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. The name “Christmas” comes from the Mass of Christ, a service where Christians remember Jesus’ death and resurrection. As autumn transitions to winter, lights twinkle, decorated Christmas trees are everywhere, presents crowd, and families gather for a turkey feast. Christmas is a significant Christian and cultural holiday, but its true meaning is not just gifts or an annual economic boost.
Why do we need Christmas decorations?
Traditions passed down through generations often involve lighting up the facade and hanging ornaments on the tree, which can be nostalgic for the joy of the holiday season. Parents hope to recreate the magic and joy of the holiday season for their children, turning longstanding family habits into annual rituals. The decorations capture the old spark and are often seen as an incantation for a spell. Many people have at least one unique holiday decorating tradition that they believe is unique to their family.
However, many people don’t need complex symbolism behind their Christmas lights, as they can create a display that brings happiness to those who see it. A bare house in midwinter serves as the blank canvas, with lights acting as the paint.
Why did we start decorating at Christmas?
Displaying lights during Christmas predates the holiday itself, starting in Scandinavian countries to brighten up Winter Solstice. Early Christians adopted this pagan tradition without fear of persecution, and later Christians put candles in their windows as a symbol of safety for other Christians traveling. Today, December 21st is the winter solstice in Fairbanks Alaska, with 3 hours and 42 minutes of day light. Before electric lights, many decorated indoor Christmas trees with candles, which resulted in house fires.
Edward H. Johnson, an executive at Thomas Edison’s company, strung up a tree with lights in his home in New York City in 1882. This tradition was emulated by President Grover Cleveland at the White House in the Christmas of 1895.
What is the meaning behind putting up a Christmas tree?
The Christmas tree symbolizes Jesus Christ’s birth and resurrection, with branches and bushes representing immortality and Christ’s crown of thorns on the crucifixion. Each decoration on the tree has a specific meaning, with sparkling stars often chosen as the topper and angels as the angel that heralded Christ’s birth. People choose their decorations according to their personal desires.
📹 Decorating a Christmas Tree in the Hartley! 🎄🥰🎄// Garden Answer
Decorating a Christmas Tree in the Hartley! BRANDS WE PARTNER WITHProven Winners …
I am an antique dealer and I have over 500 antique chandelier prisms on my tree. I have also made a long garland from some of the smaller crystal pieces. It has taken me almost 40 years to find enough for my 7 ft. Tree. But it is pure magic. When you are out antiquing with your mom, look for the prisms. I love your tree. It really exemplifies your wonderful sense of style. The outdoor display of so many different colored lights-not so much.
I know I don’t know anything about you, but from perusal your articles you have the most charmed life I’ve ever seen. You seem so lovely, and so does your family, it’s nice to see such a happy, functional family. It’s kind of amazing. Best wishes to you for the remainder of the holiday season, I learn so much from your articles, keep up the great work!
I think the tree is perfection. I love the subtle color the oranges add, with the gold and glass. The icicle lights are just enough to set off the the Hartley and frame the tree. I love the tree placement, I want to go in and explore the space. Please do one thing, if you get snow, please take a picture of the tree lights on with the snow around. What a magical space you created, your kids will have the best memories.
Good Morning Everyone!! 🎄 I really enjoy the whole process of picking the Christmas tree, dehydrating the oranges & decorating!! Also enjoyed seeing your Mom & Benjamin with you decorating the Hartley Christmas tree! Oh – the tree is gorgeous! I remember last year’s tree & your excitement even though the tree was on the dirt floor! This year’s Hartley Christmas decor is magical & I love it!! 🎄🥰🍊🎄❤️💚🤍
I am sitting back with a cup of coffee to enjoy perusal the process. Before my day as gramma begins with 3 sick kids and a son just home from knee surgery yesterday. My daughter in law is a nurse and needed to go into work today. Wish me luck. ❤️ I am editing to suggest 2 trees, one on each side of the Hartley instead of in the middle and it wouldn’t take away from the chandelier and you could decorate the chandelier to match. This tree is so beautiful though.
This tree is outstandingly beautiful. The elegance of the glass and crystal ornaments with the sweet touch of the oranges that just shine with the light on them just makes this tree so special and beautiful. I like the lights on the outside but it is also very stunning with them off. The outside colored lights just make the whole area come to life. Well done all for this beautiful display. Thank you for sharing it with us.
We have enjoyed all the Hartley projects starting from the announcement of its coming. Such a beautiful structure with lots of potential for enjoyable Garden Answer projects. There is so much I admire about the quality of a Hartley; however, for some reason the quality of the door hardware is one of my favorite features. Every time you include a cut of you opening the doors I smile.
Absolutely gorgeous! The oranges look like they are glowing. I love your combination of natural and glitzy. And I love the Hartley both lit and unlit. Maybe next year you could try not doing icicle lights but just regular strings of lights. It would outline the Hartley but not as many lights and not as bright? Also could you please do a walking tour through the property at night? It’s so cool to see it from ground level and not just from the drone. The drone shots are gorgeous but it would be really fun to do a slower paced walking tour. Thanks for sharing with us!
So bautiful, the Hartley is so amazing and the tree inside there is very beautiful as well, I love the look of it with all of the beautiful ornaments it has a beautiful style, and those driied oranges are a plus for sure. It was also such a joy seeing your mom there with Benjamin. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful article, have a beautiful day, stay safe and happy, sending love and hugs, bye!! 🥰💚🤍💜🍊❄☃🎄✨
Something to try when your Christmas lights turn off… turn on your tree in the Hartley and see it by itself in the dark of night. It will be stunning. There’s something about a beautiful lone tree that’s been decorated in the landscape that’s so beautiful (especially with snow). The white Hartley will glow as the glass reflects the tree lights.
Aaron is a good thinker, he will figure it out but what I was thinking for lightning your Hartley, maybe use outdoor landscape lamps on corners of Hartley and lighting it from beneath up, just to get that slight glow and visibility of structure in dark night, then what ever you place inside would be a “star of the show” 😊
Just a thought . . . . Mother had 36 oval glass mirror ornaments we hung on the tree every year. The glimmer of the lights reflecting off the mirrors was magical. I’ve just checked and Wal-Mart (for one) sells 48 for about $9. With some golden threading suitable for a ‘hanger’ and two mirrors glued back-to-back, voila! 24 new mirror ornaments. Only one drawback: you need a flashlight to find all of them when un-decorating the tree. Happy projects!
So Beautiful. We have become HUGE FANS. w LOVE ALL THE WORK AND LOVE YOU and PUT IN TO ALL OF YOUR MANY DISPLAYS. Our young family moved to West Linn, (only for 3 years, unfortunately) and became “full OREGONIANS. We so enjoy seeing so many of your family joining you in projects….and YOUR MOM… joining you in projects….SHE ADDS SO MUCH TO ALL OF YOUR RECORDINGS. Thanks to you and your husband for sharing with your awesome skills and talents. EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS TO BENJAMIN FOR SHARING ALL OF HIS HARD WORK!!!!!! What a doll he is!
I know this is probably a mute point (I’m perusal this so late) BUT I LOVE this soo much!!! My vote for next year is leaving the tree right where it is and maybe just put up some garland with lights around the peak of the entry doors and that’s it! I think that little touch of greens and the decorated urns would look beautiful outside and would frame in the tree in the center. Just gorgeous!!! Beautiful job 😍😍😍
Hi, I’ve been binge perusal for a while now and the addition of your Hartley reminded me that my mom had one when I was growing up. It periled in a storm and I never gave it much thought after that. She must really miss it. Anyway, I’ve been searching for cast iron urns and can’t find the ones you featured in several articles but I saw where you commented that they are hard to find now. This quest to find them required me to pause and think about my design style. Do I even know what that is? I’m sure that is the question for many people. I also tried to draw comparisons from your property to mine and realized it is similar in size and shape with the exception that I live in the middle of 5 acres of evergreen plantation forest and watershed from the local lakes, also I’m in zone 3b – haha. Despite the fact that I love your approach to mixing formal garden concepts with cottage style planting, I can’t (and shouldn’t?) marry my landscape with your design style without it looking weird. I took a quiz and came out more toward a natural design style. OK fine I can work with that. This brings me back to the containers. You have many beautiful pieces that of course lend themselves more to the formal design. I need to find containers and such that will blend into my landscape in a more ‘natural’ way and that is where I’m at now. I was going to put together (or copy) a couple of xmas containers with said urns but now will try to find containers that fit my style and landscape. 🙂 I digress, and really just wanted to thank you for being vulnerable with us and lending your mind and medium for pure inspiration and teaching.
Absolutely Stunning! The juxtaposition between the natural and the elegant is spot on! You definitely have the decorators gift. This has been such a treat for us to see the crowning moment of the Christmas tree in the Hartley. Thanks so much for bringing us along. You treat us like family with your joy and excitement. Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family. 🎄
The tree is absolutely gorgeous! I think it’s the prettiest Christmas tree I have ever seen. I was shaking my head, NO, when you were holding the bow on the tree. I know your taste is far better than mine, but I think the bow brought the sparkle down, that may be why you liked the bow on the tree. I admit, I like bling!
The Hartley with the lights on, and the tree, are fabulous. 😊 Wish I had both. But neither one is in my budget, (especially the Hartley.)So I will have to admire yours. Thank you for sharing all of your stories and garden advice with us. It is a very wonderful way to start my day. Happy Holidays to you and your whole family. 😊
You picked the perfect tree… Or rather, Aaron picked the perfect tree! 😂. It’s absolutely stunning! I loved perusal you, your Mom, and Benjamin decorating. It made me laugh that you didn’t have any shoes on! Your toes must’ve been frozen! Everything you do is absolutely gorgeous and brings me such joy to watch. Happy Holidays to you and yours! 🌲
Laura I bet it would be beautiful if you put twin trees in the Hartley, one on each end? Just a thought Then you can leave that round table in the center and put a natural looking nativity scene. Or you could put a long dining table in the center lengthwise and enjoy a Christmas meal out there with all your family. Because you are right about it being blocked by the doors when it is in the center. Just a thought for in the future. It is really beautiful this year.
The tree is simply perfect& magical❣💫…Aaah, love all this Christmas prep and hearing the “littlens” in the background…..I will be making the clove studded oranges with my grand-daughter .(thanks for the toothpick tip) …Re: the Hartley lights….Maybe the “commercial lights” are just too strong…are they available in a softer light? But as you said no lights just put the spotlight on the tree :)) You guys are the experts !
Morning Sweet Laura @ Aaron. Decerating the Christmas Tree in the Hartley. The reason for the season, the birth of Our Savior Jesus Christmas. I, m so Happy That your Dream’s is coming together soon than your plan. Those Our God’s Blessings. Again Merry Christmas to both sides if your Family’s. My your days be Merry @ Bright. Mind change I do love the Hartley with. the lights on . Magical . Wanda In Ok.
When the icicle lights are off, the tree is the star but the Hartley itself becomes a black hole in the overall lighting scheme. With the icicle lights on, the tree itself is slightly diminished but the ornaments on the tree show up more. The orange slices become like little translucent panes of yellowish/gold glass, the other glass ornaments catch the sparkle of the lights and appear to have little lights inside them. Then, the overall lighting scheme is enhanced by the classical shape of the Hartley outlined in icicle lights. Consider this image: the tree with the icicle lights shines like a high quality diamond reflecting the rainbow of sparkling light rays it catches.. then the Hartley becomes a bigger diamond with its panes of glass reflecting the colored lights around it. So you have a tree shaped diamond inside a Hartley shaped diamond reflecting all the lights around…like an infinity mirror. Please consider leaving the lights on!
The Hartley tree is splendiferous!! Everything about it screams beautiful elegance! Do you brush or spray anything on the oranges to give a shiny finish to them? The glow of the light though the slices is mesmerizing. Well done!!! And wouldn’t the tree from inside the Hartley make for a fabulous Christmas card!?!!! Just sayin’😉 🎄🍊🎄🧡🎄🍊🎄
that is perfect!! it reminds me of an old fashioned tree, very “Nutcracker Suite” to my mind… i have those candles too, and they add such a sweet touch… and that’s the tree: so dear, so sweet, and so beautiful!! looked like a great day with your mom and Benjamin helping, too… love it! 🥰❤thanks for the article!! 🥰❤
We take our real tree outside after Christmas and cover it with popcorn and cranberries and peanut butter treats. The birds decorate it for us with their bright colors and we can enjoy our tree all over again. Your tree does look like a crystal jewel box with its shining glory prize diamond in the middle when the other lights are out. When they are on, it looks like a magical wonderland of beautiful lights. Either way is a win. The tree decorations are beautiful and the white ribbons look wonderful!
So pretty! A bit off topic, but would you ever consider doing a article explaining how much is ok to cut off evergreens if you want it to grow back to use in things like wreaths and containers? As I was walking around my sister’s mature yard trying to help her make a wreath, I realized I don’t know how much is safe to cut off evergreens and have it still grow back. I didn’t want to ruin her blue spruce or junipers so we ended up not doing one. I know you can buy greens but it just adds up too much for me.
OMG those orange slices bring back bad memories! After perusal a article you made a year or two ago making the dehydrated orange wreath I decided to make one myself. It came out great. I hung it over a mirror near my kitchen dining room and then went on a 10 day vacation. When we came back from vacation the wreath and walls and floors were covered in maggots and pantry moths!!!!!! It was horrific. It’s been over a year and it’s only been since cold weather came that I can say moths are gone. We fogged the house twice, have two bug zappers in the house near where wreath was hung, had to take out all kitchen items to look for moths and I did find three moths in some flour but they had not chewed through bag so threw that out, put everything in storage containers in kitchen but still moths came. Went through a second fogging, pulled everything from linen closets in hallway and pictures on walls etc to discover more cacoons, washed everything scrubbed with vinegar etc. you get the idea. It has been a year of battle. The bug zapper and pantry moth traps along with fogging really brought issue down and cold weather. Now I just hope we have done enough so when spring comes we can say we were triumphant. Lesson is DON’T hang dried fruit wreaths inside your home!
Absolutely gorgeous! whether the Hartley lights is on or off they look fantastic. I Love the choices of ornaments and the oranges glows. 💜Gold and silver is one of my fav color combination! In fact that is color scheme of my Christmas tree this year with a hint of sky blue with silver glitters ornaments and I have tucked in a few crystal glass ornaments inside the tree and they look amazing against snow flocked tree especially when the lights hits it they glow!🎄💜
The tree is absolutely lovely and it’s great to have some sustainable decorating with the dried oranges…in a flurry of consumerism there’s nothing nicer than making decorations. I still don’t understand why a glasshouse needs a chandelier but hey ho, America you do what you like unlike the rest of the world 🤣
Perfect. The combination of the orange slices with the baubles is stunning. Your tress always look so balanced with the lighting and the ornament placement. Would you or your mother consider giving us some tips on decorating the tree ? Drying orange slices in the dehydrator gives such a the brighter appearance than using an oven. Must put one on my Christmas list. I can just imagine the joy it will be to entertain in the Hartley this holiday season. Thank you for all your inspiration throughout the year.
I love the more simple, but sparkly look of your Christmas tree. 🥰I think the Hartley would look perfect with just the icicle lights (without the lights around the trim). Then the tree would still shine, but the structure wouldn’t feel like a beacon of light. As always, thank you for all you, Aaron, and your team do!
I love how the oranges glow, sooooo pretty. The tree is glorious glowing like that. For the lighting I would keep some outside lights on the outside. Definitely need the urns lit up, and the bottom of the Hartley. So I would unplug any of the lights from the glass and up. I would be more interested in landscape lighting. A few spotlights from below the shine up the side of the building.