Nativity Fast

Nativity Fast is observed by Eastern Catholic Churches, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Orthodox in anticipation of the Nativity of Christ. The Fast extends over a period of 40 days, beginning November 15, till December 24. This fasting is one of the four fasting followed by the churches annually. The Nativity Fast is also sometimes known as Philip's Fast since it usually starts after the Feast of St. Philip. According to Eastern Orthodoxy, fasting helps one to get closer to God as it restricts the interaction of the body with worldly delights, thereby impacting the mind and soul in a positive way. There is also emphasis by the church not only to refrain oneself from food but also from greed, anger, animosity and materialism. It also encourages one to engage in almsgiving for the poor and needy during the period. However, the Fasting is not allowed for people who are sick, pregnant, too young and aged.

Nativity Fast Guidelines

Fasting Rules
The Nativity Fast is generally divided into two periods. November 15 to December 9 forms the first period where foods such as oil, wine, dairy products and meat are strictly exempted from consumption however, one is allowed to consume oil and wine on Tuesday and Thursday; fish, oil and wine on Saturday and Sunday. The second period of fasting lies between December 10th to 24th where all aforementioned foods are again barred from regular consumption, however, consumption of oil and wine is permitted on Saturday and Sunday for this period.

According to the Eastern Orthodox Church, fasting includes non-intake of fish, oil, eggs, dairy products, red meat, poultry, meat products and wine. The rules allow one to consume oil, wine and fish feast on certain feast days, namely Evangelist Matthew, Apostle Andrew, Great-martyr Barbara, St. Nicholas, St. Spiridon, St. Herman and St. Ignatius. A strict fast day called Paramony is observed on the eve of Nativity where no solid food is taken till the first star is noticed in the evening sky.

The Purpose Of Fasting

• The purpose of fasting is to raise one's consciousness level from mundane to the spiritual. The practice of abstinence is seen as a way to end our utter reliance on materialism.
• Fasting enables one to take a righteous path and practice virtuous deeds during the holy month and set an example for others to follow and benefit from.
• Fasting is not meant as a way of appeasing God or divine, instead its main purpose is to contain our own shortcomings, passions and non-virtuous thoughts and deeds.
• By fasting, one seeks to achieve control over one's own mind which is the ultimate goal of the practice.
• Saying prayers during fasting period helps in the overall practice of delving in virtuous thoughts.

Nativity fast brings people closer to the concept of simple living and instills higher thinking in them. It is as they say, "you are what you eat" and abstaining from heavy, complicated food only brings you closer to simpler things in life.

Vintage Christmas Tree Decorations

Place a pine tree beside a bland and plain Christmas tree. Do you find any difference? Probably not! And how would you? After all, they both are pine trees. A tree isn't a Christmas tree unless it is adorned with decorations. Embellishing the Christmas tree is one of the most significant highlights of the festive season, without which the festival seems just insipid and unexciting. Then, why not make your coniferous stand out in the crowd with the help of some vibrant and bright Christmas ornaments? Right from elegant white decorations to colorful Christmas tinsels, you have plenty of options to deck up your Christmas tree. But if you are tired of decorating your tree in the same monotonous theme, create the feeling of nostalgia with antique Christmas tree decorations and see what volume it speaks.

Indulge in some fun and excitement while strolling down the memory lane and revisiting holiday decorations from the past. Add that old world charm to your home, the Christmas tree in particular, and conjure up images of romance of the Victorian era. Remember those kids dressed up in velvet and lace, and people hosting huge Christmas balls to celebrate the holidays. Draping the Christmas tree with a vintage theme is extremely simple and affordable, even for a homemaker. Want to revive those simpler Victorian times, get ready to infuse some effects of antiqueness with decorating ideas. Pick up all the vintage items you can find in your home or purchase a few from antique shops to display the same on the tree. Check out some ideas here that will guide you for pushing a little more than what you were expecting.

Antique Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

• Remember those “disco balls” made from cardboard? Make different folds in colored cardboard and staple them at places. And you have shimmering decorations, in assorted colors, to festoon the Christmas tree.
• If you can find rotating light displays that change from red to green to blue, you have a real gem in your treasure of vintage items. Use these lights to drape the tree and see them illuminating the tree in varied colors.
• Christmas candles were the original Christmas tree lights. Incorporate them into your decorations and see the effect they bring out. Instead of using the regular votive holder, pick up appropriate candles that can comfortably sit on the tree. Light them only during the Christmas dinner and never leave them unattended.
• A collection of antique knickknacks can be put up on the Christmas tree. Especially those that are close to your heart will do the job. Clocks, old toys, small bottles, or even tiny birdcages will look great. Depending upon the colors of your curios, you will have to select ribbon, garland, and accent ornament colors to complement the entire look.
• Use beaded garland to wrap the tree. Alternatively, you can also make a garland using popcorn, with the help of your kids. Besides, cranberry garlands were also a common decoration in those times.
• To top the tree, you can choose from a large angel or doll, or an electric star or Santa Claus. An angel made in cherub porcelain would also work wonders.
• In the olden times, tinsel was commonly used for embellishing the Christmas tree, particularly the one made from real silver. For that real Victorian effect, use just a little of it on the tree to present a sparkling texture.
• Let the sounds of the season be heard on the Christmas tree as well. Wrap the tree with jingle bells, all different sizes. To complete the classic Christmas tree theme, add on silver ornaments and winterberries.

Unique Christmas Tree Ideas

Christmas time has come and the frivolities and festivities of the festival are already on the surface. Everyone can be seen getting busy with the Christmas decorations and celebration preparations. One of the first things that every one looks forward to in the context of Christmas preparation is the Christmas tree. The beautiful Christmas trees remind us of the evergreen trees covered with snow sparkling like silver in moonlight. The origin of Christmas tree dates back to the times of Vikings from North Europe, who carried evergreen trees as an inspiration to struggle on with life, during winters and as a reminder that spring season will soon come again. 

Christmas trees were used in many Pagan festivals and later were also imbibed into Christian festivals. Christmas tree not only brings joy to the festivities but also gives the children a chance to indulge in playful activities like decorating the tree with toys and lights. In the Christmas every household tries to make their Christmas tree more special and beautiful. This Christmas you can take the opportunity to try a different Christmas tree theme to surprise your friends and relatives. Here are mentioned some unique and different Christmas tree ideas that you can use in this festival. 

Creative Ideas For Christmas Tree 

Fibre Optic Christmas Tree

In this festive season, consider the idea of using a fiber optic Christmas tree. Not only these beautiful trees put on a dynamic light display, but also bring joyful life to your holiday decorations. Fiber optic tree are available in various color schemes ranging from traditional green to snow effect white.

Pre-Lit Christmas Tree

For a different Christmas tree theme in this festive season, pre-lit trees will make a wonderful choice. It is a great choice if you don't have the time or money to get a real Christmas tree year after year. Not only are these Christmas trees easy to assemble, they also never need watering. But probably the best feature of pre-lit Christmas tree is that it is built in lights, which make decoration a child's job. These trees are increasingly becoming popular in families who are looking for an easy manageable Christmas tree that will last from year to year.

Spiral Christmas Tree

For people who want to add a special touch to the Christmas celebration this year, a spiral Christmas tree is worth a try. Spiral Christmas trees are available in beautiful flowing lines and in many colors. Both the lit or un-lit versions look amazing at home especially around modern decor.

Miniature Christmas Tree

For those who live in mansions, this one is not for you. For rest putting up in a decently-sized house, getting a large sized tree every year though adds to the joy of the season but also makes storing the same a problem. However, that does not mean you compromise on the festive spirit. This Christmas, you can consider the idea of getting a miniature tabletop Christmas tree. You can keep these miniatures Christmas trees anywhere on dining room tables, side tables, dressers and many other places. Also, you can have more than one. 

Tropical Christmas Tree

Instead of going with the traditional fir, spruce or pine, how about trying a different tree? This Christmas, break free from the decades long followed traditions and rituals and get home a tropical tree. Adorn the tree with tinsels and trinkets to convert it from being any tree to a tropical Christmas tree. You can use palm trees that will surely go well with decor at your home.

Modern Christmas Tree Decorations

It's Christmas, and the time to rejoice in the Lord is here. The day of Christmas, the days preceding and proceeding it are celebrated across the world with much joyousness and enthusiasm. However, while the basics of it are still intact, Christmas has come a long way from being a traditional way of spending the season with family and friends, surrounded by love, warmth, personally cooked meals, and a nicely decorated interiors and exteriors to the modern way of doing the same albeit with a whole new way of decorating up the surroundings, including the good old Christmas tree.

Christmas tree, with all its history and traditions kept intact, has undergone a change-a change that is completely outwardly but spellbinding nonetheless, without killing off the spirit of the season. Gone are the days when bells, balls, candy canes, stars, and angels were the only way to bejewel a Christmas tree. Now, decorating a Christmas tree is only limited till where a person can stretch his/her creative skills. And if used to advantage, a makeover to the decorative sense of the Christmas tree can give a differently wholesome and elegant feel to it. Below have been mentioned a few modern ideas to decorate a Christmas tree. Go through them, then either use them or create something new.

Contemporary Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

The Tree

Move over the traditional evergreen tree! Instead of indulging in the act of buying a Christmas tree or growing one, this Christmas, go off track and make a fantabulous and feathery light Christmas tree made out of feathers. All you need is white turkey feathers, hot glue gun, a long and thin craft stick, a decorative star, and decorative glitter spray of your choice. The tree won't be as big as the traditional one, but will look doubly beautiful.

Stars Vs Gingerbread

One great way of uniquely decorating the Christmas tree is by keeping the stars and the balls aside and loading it up with gingerbread cookies and gingerbread men. To create a darker contrast, dip a few of the pieces in honey, let them dry off and then load them up. Gingerbread stuff isn't all; you can even use chocolate cookies or other flavors.

Un-decorate 

How about having a tree that children would love to un-decorate? Sounds a little off course, but it's also way more fun than decorating, for kids at least. But what's there to un-decorate? Small gifts hung up on the tree as ornaments. Kids will a gala of a time unwrapping them. You don't even have to limit it all to just one tree. You can even have another tree decorated the traditional way. For fun, hang up the unwrapped gifts a few day before the Christmas Eve and ask them if they can wait till its time.

The Country Side Effect!

A Christmas tree adorned with ornaments based on the village theme will look as good good as any of the stuff out there. Ornaments like little houses & churches nestled quietly between the decorative balls and baubles will bring the tree to life. Small sized LED candles wrapped around the village will add a stunning dimension to the entire village.

Rosy Roses!

How about making the thing, which is in the foreground almost all the year the background around Christmas? We're talking about roses, and if coupled with the Christmas tree, roses can add a never-seen-before look to it. Leave all the artificial ornaments and go natural. Use roses of different colors as ornaments for your Christmas tree and watch your Christmas be surrounded with charming fragrance. However, don't ornament the tree with roses only until a day or two before Christmas as they're bound to die down.

Oceanic Delight!

Ever thought of decorating the Christmas tree with seashells and pearls? No? All the ornaments that adorn the sea can also adorn and brighten up your Christmas tree. If you haven't already got many of such items you can buy them from a nearby crafts shop or a beach if want to pick them off the shores and have some fun as well. Spray paint and glitter paint them with a combination of two or more colors and hang them atop the tree and you have a breezy ocean theme for your Christmas.

Christmas Tree Tradition

The ever famous and the evergreen Christmas trees have been adorning the beauty of many Christmas seasons since as long as one can remember. Whole generations have passed through in between who probably have never heard a Christmas without a Christmas tree being set up in the house and decorated with dazzling ornaments and lights. Till date, this needle like firry tree stands, not only as an integral part of the Christmas tradition, but has a symbol of an important historical era gone by. Today, although the Christmas trees that are used don't necessarily have to be traditional live trees that have been cut down, the tradition continues, and continues to flourish world over.

It all started in Germany a thousand years ago when Saint Boniface, while converting the German people to Christianity, came across a bunch of pagans worshipping an Oak tree. It is believed that in anger Saint Boniface uprooted the Oak tree, only to find a young fir tree emerging from beneath the roots, which he took as a sign of faith. However, it was only in the 16th century that the Christmas trees began to be brought inside the homes for decorative purposes around the Christmas season. The following lines will throw light on Christmas tree traditions that have long been in existence and are still held close to the heart.

Traditions of Christmas Tree

• According to the old traditions, it wasn't until the arrival of Christmas Eve that Christmas trees were bought and decorated. It was in the tradition to leave them decorated for 12 days.
• Tree worship has been a common practice in many ancient cultures and the trees are being planted since many centuries. For long they've known to bring in good fortunes and have also been linked to divinity.
• Egyptians are believed to be the treasurers and worshippers of the evergreen. To symbolize and celebrate life's triumph over death, they used to bring in palm leaves into their homes.
• The modern Christmas tree tradition is known to have sprung from the ancient tradition of the Germans and Scandinavians who used to place evergreen trees in front of their homes to symbolize their hope in the forthcoming season.
• The start of the tradition to decorate trees is attributed to Martin Luther. It is believed that around the year 1500, when Martin Luther was walking across the snow covered woods, he was very impressed by the snow covered branches shining under the moonlight. To share this story with his children, he put a small fir tree and decorated it with candles in honor of Christ's birth.
• The Christmas tree tradition is believed to have entered America via hessian troops during the American Revolution or by the German immigrants who brought them to Pennsylvania.
• In Great Britain, the Christmas tree tradition is known to have brought in by Prince Albert, a German, who married Queen Victoria in 1840 and set up a Christmas tree at the Windsor Castle in England. Soon after which, the custom spread quickly over England, from royal court to middle class to working people.
• Today, species like Scotch pine fir, Douglas fir, noble fir, white pine, balsam fir, and white spruce make up for most of the Christmas tree sales, with Scotch pine leading the way.

Christmas Tree Topper

It's that time of the year again when people wrap up all their work and begin preparing for the most important festival of the year - Christmas. Yup, it's holiday season again and time for lots of fun, music, gifts, decorations, and feasts. Christmas is a holy festival, celebrated by the Christian community, by and large, though people across all religions have started engaging themselves in the festivities of this blissful and pious occasion. Observed on 25th December every year, Christmas marks the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ. One can witness the best of traditions and customs during this holiday season. Christmas carols, hymns, pound cakes, special meals, church masses, and exchange of greetings and gifts form the major customs of the occasion. And not to forget, the Christmas tree is the major element of Christmas which cannot be given even a bit miss.

Right from classic to eclectic, you have a number of options for selecting Christmas tree toppers. But, traditionally, it is an angel, a Santa, or a star that is dotted on the crown of the Christmas tree to complete the ensemble. Nevertheless, with changing times, people are open for other alternatives as well that can further enhance the beauty of their well decorated Christmas tree. Though some people wish to use heirloom toppers every year, others opt for giving the tree a unique and different feel each year. As such, markets, too, have started coming up with a plethora of tree toppers to suit the tastes and needs of every kind of customer to create a one-of-a-kind look. Options are aplenty. Just scroll through the lines below and make your best choice.

Ideas For Christmas Tree Toppers

• For a glistening version of the erstwhile star tree toppers, use pearls to create a star topper that will be as sparkling as the entire Christmas tree. Simply take five strands of pearls and twist them around a 3-inch foam circle to create a 5-point star. Stick the pearl springs to the foam using glue. Cut out some pearls from extra sprigs and glue them to the center to achieve the perfect ‘star' shape.
• Infuse a burst of color into your Christmas tree with a colorful and vibrant tree topper. Insert narrow sticks into a foam ball and spray paint it with any color of your choice. Allow the paint to dry and spray some spray adhesive. Complete it by sprinkling some glitter.
• For a more glamorous effect, make a tree topper with peacock feathers. These feathers, when swirled, will top the Christmas tree in unique style. Arrange some feathers in your hand and wire them together, leaving some wire to secure the bunch on the top of the tree. After you are done, simply fan out the feathers as you desire and voila! You have a fanciful feathered tree topper.
• Use sparkling, decorative ribbons to make a stunning tree topper. Pick up wired ribbon that can be easily manipulated. However, the width of the ribbon should be chosen according to the size of the tree. Use 1-inch ribbon for a small tree, while 2 or 3 inches ribbon would be perfect for a large tree. Create multi-looped bow and tie it around the tree top, allowing the ribbons to drape down the branches. For a wavy appearance, curve the wire in the ends of the ribbon gently.
• For a traditional choice, you can go for Santa Claus and angel themed tree topper. Get a porcelain Santa Claus and place it strategically at the top of the tree. Make sure that the colors used in the idol are bright enough to be visible. In case you are going for the angel-themed tree topper, select the angel statue that holds poise and looks subtle yet elegant.
• Nothing can match the spirit of the occasion more than the presence of a cross with Jesus Christ on it. Complete the look of your beautifully festooned Christmas tree with the cross. It would not only add to the religious sentiments of the occasion, but remind people of the greatness of the Almighty.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

The wondrous festival of Christmas is celebrated across the world with immense gaiety and fervor on the 25th of December. The day marks the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. Such is the enthusiasm of the festival that it is commemorated not just by the Christian community, but by people of all religions. With the passing centuries and years, traditions and customs of Christmas celebrations have been altered on a continuous basis. As such, preparations for this blissful occasion begin months before, evident from the decorations across streets, homes, and shopping complexes, apart from the feel of festivity in the air. Several customs and rituals mark the festivities of this delightful holiday, the most prevalent being gift giving, exchange of cards and greetings, display of various decorations, and preparation of delectable traditional delicacies.

When it comes to celebrating Christmas, no festivities are complete without the much adorned and beautified Christmas tree. A tradition, which began in the 16th century in Livonia and Germany, has now become a global tradition, without which the holidays seem to be merely bland and tasteless. Call it real or artificial, small or big, fir or pine, a Christmas tree is amongst the most significant customs of this festival practiced across the globe. Traditionally, the tree is brought home and embellished with all sorts of Christmas ornaments, say lights, garlands, candy canes, baubles, tinsel - anything and everything that can make the tree stand apart from the rest of the decorations. To give you a sigh of relief as to what ornaments can be used to deck up your Christmas tree for this Christmas, we present you some creative and decorative ideas for putting up the tree at its best. Read on.

Ideas For Christmas Tree Ornaments

• It's been quite some time since illuminated Christmas tree ornaments have been in the market. And since they are at their growth stage, they are likely to be popular this season as well. There are several departmental stores and Christmas shops selling illuminated ornaments, like tiny houses, cottages, miniature Christmas trees, and North Poles. Tiny bulbs can also be picked to give your Christmas tree the true festive effect.
• If you simply love the tunes of Christmas during the holidays, then this is the perfect chance to reveal it through the ornaments displayed on your Christmas tree. A number of musical Christmas ornaments can be found in the market during the festive season. What's more, they even play different Christmas carols and Christmas hymns.
• Technology has taken over the global market long before. Such is its growth and acceptance that you can find assorted mobile Christmas ornaments in markets. Gone are those days when you had to pull a string or flip a switch to activate the ornaments. Modern technology allows the ornaments to move themselves all the time. Interesting to see Santa tilt his head from side-to-side or snowmen bob up and down, isn't it?
• Bulbs and bulb ornaments are always in, reason being they are a part of tradition. And you can't afford to leave it behind simply because you want your tree to look trendy and contemporary. Just like previous years, Christmas bulb ornaments will be highly popular and in demand this season as well. You can either pick up bulbs in sets of ten or twenty, or opt for specialty bulbs. For a more festive feel, you can try using bulb ornaments that have Christmas scenes painted on them.

Christmas Tree Lights

Once again the Christmas season is back and everyone seems to be excited about the celebrations. For centuries, Christmas tree has been the centre of Christmas decorations. Not only it adds festive spirit to the festival, but also gives an opportunity to indulge in some merriment time with family members. Kids and adults have their own share of enjoyment while decorating the Christmas tree. Traditionally, Christmas tree is decorated with bells, wreaths, flowers and toys. People also use variety of ornaments such as candies, baubles and nosegays to decorate Christmas tree. However, with time, the Christmas tree decorations have changed giving way to new technologies like Christmas lights.

Christmas lights give the Christmas tree a magical touch and brighten the whole arrangement. One of the best features of the lighting arrangements is that you can illuminate the Christmas tree in number of ways depending on your choice. Christmas lights give you the opportunity to decorate your Christmas tree with different colors and patterns. Christmas lights can also be very helpful in illuminating an outside Christmas tree. There are various types of Christmas tree lights that are available in the market these days. As such, you can choose one according to your need and preference. Here are some Christmas tree light ideas that will guide you.

Christmas Tree Lights Ideas

Pink Flamingo Lights

For warmer climates where the chances of seeing any snowmen are least possible, pink flamingo Christmas tree lights are a good choice to try on this Christmas. Flamingo lights are a great constituent for a tropical-themed tree, which includes seashells and glass fruits. These lights are available in the market in strands of ten.

Snowman Christmas Lights

If you are thinking of choosing an appropriate Christmas light for this festival, snowman-shaped Christmas lights can be a great option to consider. Not only these snowmen Christmas lights are a stunning approach to Christmas tree decorations, but they also are available in various types such as red scarf, red mittens, black top hat and carrot nose. Like other novelty lights, these lights are available in strands of ten, so you will require more than one strand to cover your tree. 

Wine-Themed Lights

In this Christmas festival, wine enthusiasts can have an extra share of fun with the hanging illuminated grape clusters. These bunch of lights come in variety of colors such as green, purple and red and are ten inches long. You can add strands of glittered corks as decorative stuffs and miniature wine glasses as ornaments to decorate your Christmas tree. 

Farm Theme

This Christmas, if you are looking for a different theme of lighting to decorate your Christmas tree, make use of farm theme lights. You can have pig, cow and tractor Christmas lights to complete the farm-themed Christmas tree. While the pig lights are available in pink, cow lights are generally sold in black and white. Tractors are usually available in red and come in ten-foot strands. 

Fairy Lights

You can also choose the option of using fairy lights for the Christmas tree decorations, as these make up for being the most versatile of lighting solutions. Fairy lights are available as outdoor fairy lights and indoor fairy lights. These fairy lights are easy, convenient and safe to use. Also these lights are available in numerous design options. 

Southwestern-Themed Lights

You can also try the southwestern look as Christmas tree theme. Such Christmas tree lights are available in shapes of chili peppers and cactus plants and can be brought in ten-foot strands. While the chili peppers are available in bright cherry red, the cactuses can be found in grass green.

Christmas Tree Maintenance

Christmas is a religious day, which offers a great opportunity of making merry and having great fun. People celebrate Christmas as a birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, whose teachings are believed to be the foundation of Christianity. The most popular customs include, attending church, singing carols, exchanging gifts, merry making and sharing meals with family and friends along with decorating Christmas trees and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus's arrival. Decorating Christmas tree is one of the most fascinating endeavors of Christmas celebrations. Though the process of decorating a Christmas tree offers great fun and excitement, but its maintenance can often be quite exerting. So, if you wish to keep your Christmas tree healthy, green and safe for long, take note of the following instructions. We have mentioned some very easy and simple suggestions on how to maintain your Christmas tree. These steps will help you keep your Christmas tree fresh throughout the Christmas holiday season.

How To Take Care Of Christmas Tree

Step 1: Water The Tree
This is the basic step which you need to do with any plant or tree. To begin with, you need to ensure that the tree gets plenty of water in the first few hours of settling in, and enough water every day. It not only increases the tree's life, but a well-watered tree is less dry and thus, less burnable and hence, safer despite all the lighting. Make sure that the water level doesn't fall below the base of the tree.

Step 2: Keep The Tree Fresh
Nobody likes their Christmas tree to look dull and gloomy. Therefore, to keep your tree fresh, put an aspirin in its water or add ginger ale or some soda drinks. These would help trap the required nourishment in its roots.

Step 3: Embellishing The Tree
There is absolutely no doubt that decorating a Christmas tree is the favorite part for many of us but what more you need to remember is that, along with your decoration, it is also wise to think about its safety. If you neglect this aspect then you might end up turning your Christmas tree into a fire hazard. So, use your horse sense while decorating the Christmas tree. For instance:

• Check each series of lights to make certain that the bulbs are in proper condition.
• Look at the cords to ensure they are not worn-out, and that the connections are safe.
• Get rid of any kind of decorations that look hazardous or are too old.

Step 4: Mend The Sap Leakage Early 
It is better to check for sap leakage and mend it before it spreads to adjacent furnishings or floor coverings. At an early stage, the sap leakage can be fixed quite easily.

Step 5: Get Rid Of The Fallen Pine Needles
Use a handheld vacuum cleaner or dust pan and brush to collect fallen pine needles. Adhere to this in your daily cleaning routine to avoid vacuuming up a huge heap of needles when you finally move the tree.

A Christmas tree with its fresh evergreen looks, adorned with pretty little lights, ornaments and stars, is the most popular symbol associated with the Christmas celebration. Maintain this symbol with love to have a lush green Christmas.

Christmas Tree Storage

If you want to reuse your Christmas tree for the next couple of years, then you would have to store it properly, so that unwanted damages are avoided. All the efforts you took to decorate the tree will go waste, if it is not stored properly. In addition to this, you need to consider many things, while deciding the space used to store it. The availability of different options for different trees is what makes it easier for people to store their Christmas tree properly. In case you are clueless about storing your tree, the tips on how to store Christmas tree, given in the article, will help you a great deal.

Storage Of Christmas Tree

• The markets have three main types of storage options for Christmas tree - Plastic Box, Bags (plastic, canvas, polyester and nylon) and Storage Containers (for big trees). The storage containers are quite a popular option.
• If you want to store your Christmas tree in bags or containers, then look for empty boxes at your home. Store the decorative pieces including ornaments and sequins in empty boxes, in which you might have received gifts for Christmas.
• Collect all the boxes you find at home and set them on a table top. Check the edges for splits or if they are torn on any side. In such a situation, mend the loopholes with the help of a strong tape. You may also seal the gaps using quick-fix adhesives.
• Old shoe boxes and tin cans are good storage containers for those small ornaments and sequins that are used to decorate the Christmas tree. Wrap the decorative pieces in tissue papers and then place them in the shoe boxes. Do not forget to seal the boxes thereafter.
• After removing and storing all the decorative items, take the Christmas tree carefully and lay it down in the storage container that it came in. If the stand is detachable, take it out and store it in a separate box.
• Don't forget to put labels on the boxes stating the contents of the box and the side of the container that should be up.
• Seal the boxes with tape and put them in a place, where they would remain unperturbed until the next Christmas. The best places would be above your cupboard, inside the attic or those storage shelves at the top of your room.
• The room, in which you store your Christmas tree, should be free of moisture. It should be a cool, dry and dark place. This is because moisture might lead to the growth of microbes and other organism, which may pose a threat to the stored tree.

Christmas Tree History

There is no concrete evidence regarding the history of the Christmas tree and everyone seems to be having a version of his or her own. It is normally believed that the origin of the Christmas tree started from the Pagan tradition. As per the historical records, the Pagans considered evergreen trees as deities, since they remained green throughout the year; even during the time when other plants withered and died. The evergreen trees were considered the symbol of eternal hope and were first decorated by Scandinavian Pagans. They believed that bringing the tree indoors in winters and decorating it would keep it warm as well as provide a soothing environment for fairies. Here is some more information on the history and origin of Christmas tree.

History & Origin Of Christmas Tree
Some people say that Christmas tree was first lit up by the Saxons, who were a Pagan tribe. They decorated the Christmas tree with candles to illuminate and beautify it. In the beginning of the 16th century, King Martin Luther adorned a small Christmas tree with candles, as to impart knowledge to his children, about stars shining in the darkness of night. Around the same time, religious Christians brought beautifully adorned trees to their houses. In ancient Rome, houses were decorated with green plants. During their New Year, they would exchange Evergreen tree branches with friends, as it was believed to usher good luck. In the early 1600s, paper roses, wafers, candy, apples and sugar were used to decorate fir trees.

As per the history written by an author, Germany is accredited with the origin and proliferation of the traditional Christmas tree. Many people claim that Germans created the Christmas tree by combining Paradise tree and the Christmas light, which consisted of a small pyramid frame with a candle on its top. The custom of illuminating and decorating the Christmas tree by that way was passed on to Finland, Norway, Sweden and many other European countries. During mid 19th century, the trend of bringing the Christmas tree home started, when Prince Albert brought one to the Windsor Palace. Many people claim that Christmas tree came to America in Pennsylvania, during the mid 19th century. 

A local church set up a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in order to raise funds. It didn't gain popularity in a go and took some time to be accepted by people since it was a Pagan symbol. By the end of the 19th century however, the trend of setting up a Christmas tree gained much popularity and fashionable adornments were imported from Germany. In Europe, the trees were smaller in height (3 - 4 feet) as compared to those in US, which sometimes touched the ceiling of the house! With the invention of electricity and small light bulbs, the trees were decorated with electric lights and items like candies, nuts, berries, etc.

Garland Decoration For Christmas Tree

Christmas tree is decorated in a number of ways. During the festive season of Christmas, it is customary to find every Christian household to have a Christmas tree beautifully decorated, either indoors or outdoors. People come up with a number of innovative ideas, with a view to make their tree look unique and the best. As a result, almost every embellishment finds its place in the tree. In the present time, ornaments are not restricted to the usual clothespins and balls. Garlands are extensively used to add grace to the tree. Garlands for the tree are not only made with flowers, but also materials like miniature pinecones, wooden beads and even popcorns. In the article, we have given wonderful ideas for garland decoration for Christmas tree.

Decorating Christmas Tree With Garlands

• Arrange garlands according to the natural twists and turns of the trees or in gentle swags.
• If your Christmas tree is very large, place the garlands in deep swags. This will provide the tree a very graceful look.
• For decorating an evergreen Christmas tree, install the lights first, then garlands and finally the ornaments and other decorations.
• You may choose a combination of garlands too. You may double or triple the garlands as well, according to your choice.
• You may also place garlands vertically, twisting and turning them according to the shape of the tree's branches. The best way to wrap the garland around your Christmas tree is to start working from the top and work your way around and down the tree.
• Secure the garland using wires and ribbons and make sure that branches to which you attach them can bear their weight.
• Ensure that you do not hang the garland only at the tip of the tree's branches.
• Long, thin and flexible vines can also be used as garlands for Christmas trees. Be sure to wrap the vines carefully, throughout the tree.
• Mini-pinecone garlands would provide the perfect countryside look to your Christmas tree. If you live near woods, you would get small pinecones in abundance. On the other hand, if you are a city dweller, do not worry; readymade mini-pinecone garlands are available in the stores, during Christmas season.
• Garlands can be easily made out of ribbon chains make chains of ribbon and use them as garlands to decorate your Christmas tree.
• Garlands can also be attached to the top of your Christmas tree and then twisted down vertically. Be sure to give some twists and turns to the garlands, provided the material used for the embellishment is not too stiff. This is perfectly applicable for fresh or silk flower garlands.
• Connect the strands of raffia to make lengthy garlands for your tree. The decoration is especially suitable for a country-themed Christmas tree decor.
• You can also make use of wooden beads and artificial cranberries, to make garlands for your Christmas tree. If you want something unique for your Christmas tree decor, then make use of twisted or braided garlands.
• Popcorn garland is a very popular decorative item for Christmas tree. It is a traditional way to decorate the tree as well as one of the chosen crafts for kids, during the festive season.

Tips

• The choice of garland would depend upon the overall theme of your Christmas tree. For instance, in case you want to give a country look to your tree, go for garlands made of pinecones and vines.
• The length of garland would depend upon the size of your Christmas tree. Approximately 9 feet of garland would be needed per foot of the tree. In case of indoor Christmas tree, scale down the measurements to meters and then purchase the garlands accordingly.
• Twisted arrangement of garlands would be more appealing than straight or diagonal lines.
• Be sure not to overload your Christmas tree with garlands, because you need to adorn it with other embellishments as well.

Christmas Tree Disposal

After a week-long celebrations of Christmas, it is the time to take off the lights and dispose off the tree. Christmas tree is traditionally taken down on the 'Twelfth Night' (January 6). It may sound painful to dispose the beautifully adorned Christmas tree, which graced your premises for many days. However, according to the customs, Christmas trees should be disposed off, once the festival is over. While you can still store your artificial Christmas tree, when it comes to the real one, you are left with no option other than disposing it. Disposing a real tree may seem to be a daunting task, because you need to take off all the embellishments without causing damage to them. We are here to help you with some tips for Christmas tree disposal.

Disposal Of Christmas Tree

• The first thing to do, while disposing your Christmas tree, is to take off its lights. Make sure all light bulbs are taken off, one by one. Do it with utmost care, because tiny glass pieces may prick your fingers, if the bulbs are already broken. Always switch off the power supply to the tree, while before the lights.
• Next, take off all the big and small ornaments and other decorative pieces from the tree. Make sure that all plastic, sequins, glitter and ball ornaments are removed and nothing is left in the inner branches of the tree.
• Lay the Christmas tree on its side very carefully and take off the stand slowly. Keep a bucket nearby in order to pour out any water that was in the tree stand.
• Next, take the tree outside your home and chop it up. You may make use of the small branches as humus for your garden and the trunk as firewood. If you don't have a fireplace, slice the trunk into two or three pieces.
• Collect the chopped up branches, needles and trunk in trash bags and put it in your trash can for the cleaners to pick it up. Many communities have special cleaning services right after Christmas. You may contact your local authorities for further details regarding the same.
• Another eco-friendly way to dispose off your Christmas tree is to have it recycled at a recycling center. Get your tree recycled and set an example for others to be a responsible citizen.

Tips

• While removing the lights from your Christmas tree, it is suggested to wear rubber gloves. This prevents any chances of injury, because the gloves would protect your hands from the glass pieces of broken bulbs (if any).
• Remove the garlands from your tree very carefully, because the embellishment would be wrapped intricately.
• Store all the ornaments that are in good condition, to use them for the next year.

Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

When the holiday season of Christmas is round the corner, people would indulge themselves in the full-fledged preparations of the festival. Since Christmas tree plays a pivotal role in the celebrations of the festival, the decorations of the home and premises are centered on it. Christmas trees are usually decorated with a variety of ornaments such as toys, candies, baubles and nosegays. Garlands, ribbons and light strands give it a magical touch. All the embellishments make it look special and unique. If you want some tips for decorating your Christmas tree, then go through the following lines.

Christmas Tree Decoration Tips

Using Lights
Sparkle and shine is imparted to a Christmas tree by the arrangement of lights. Though you can illuminate your Christmas tree in a number of ways, it would look attractive only if you arrange the lights in a proper way. You may make use of LED lights or faceted glass bulbs for the purpose. Layer the lights and pair them with ornaments that have reflective surface. Start arranging the lights at the base of the trunk and then move upwards, to the top of the tree. Make sure that the lights are wrapped around every major branch of the tree. This way, you will be able to bring in a sparkling effect to your Christmas tree. 

Using Garlands
Garlands of both fresh and silk flowers are used to decorate Christmas tree during the holiday season. If you want to display your Christmas tree for many days, say, starting from a week prior to the festival, then make use of silk flowers, because it would be difficult to change the fresh flowers every other day. Ensure that you make use of garlands only after you finished adorning your tree with the rest of the embellishments. This is because garlands are generally used to give a final addition to Christmas tree.

Using Ball Ornaments
Ball ornaments are widely used to decorate Christmas trees. You can now get a lot of variety of ball ornaments in the market, ranging from small sized to the oversized ones. The placement of the ball ornaments is an important thing to consider, when you are adorning the tree only with them. Do not to hang all the balls on the tips of the branches, because the branches will bend downwards, not being able to bear the weight at their tips. Therefore, place the ornaments inside your tree, that is, in the innermost branches, to add depth and interest to it. 

Using Assortment Of Ornaments
By making an assortment of expensive ornaments with the cheaper ones, you can create a better impact by your Christmas tree decorations. For the purpose, you may make use of costly ornaments such as bird nests, painted fruits, music notes, toy alphabets, costume jewelry pieces along with the cheaper ones such as candies, cookies, baubles, berries, glittery boughs and pinecones. Place the expensive set of ornament on tips of boughs, while keep the cheaper ones inside the tree, to add depth to it.

How To Buy Christmas Tree

Buying Christmas tree is one of the most important things to do during the holiday season. This is due to the fact that Christmas tree makes an inevitable part of the festival. Decorating Christmas tree on the occasion is a good old tradition, followed since ages. With the passing time, a wide variety of trees is available in the stores, adding to the confusion of the buyers. With the increasing demand and choice, it is difficult for anyone to arrive at the best deal. It would be a daunting task to decide whether you want a simple tree, a big, small, cheap or expensive tree, unless you decide what your need is. Here we are to help you with some simple tips, which will help you a great deal in choosing the apt Christmas tree for the festival.

Tips For Choosing Christmas Tree

• Huge sized Christmas trees are meant only for palatial halls with high ceilings. Hence, it would be a wrong choice for you, in case your home is build with very low ceiling. However, if you are decorating the tree outdoors, probably a huge sized one would be the best bet.
• While choosing a tall Christmas tree, make sure that the ceiling and the topmost part of the tree have enough distance in between to allow your special ornament or angel to be placed on top of the tree.
• If you want to reuse your tree for the next couple of years, then go for artificial Christmas trees. Nowadays, artificial trees with long shelf life are available in the stores.
• Sparkling Christmas trees with a magical touch can make your winter decorations look divine and unique. This is the reason why Christmas tree theme is popular in winter parties. You may also use small and decorated Christmas trees as tabletop centerpieces and a big one as the focal point of the room.
• The diameter of the tree can be slender, slim or regular and should be chosen according to the floor area of the room. Christmas tree should not acquire too much space taking up the area for free walking too.
• The tree stand should be able to support the weight of the tree along with decorations, lights and ornaments.
• A real tree will need a stand in which you can keep pouring lukewarm water from time to time, to keep it fresh for a long time.
• Tree with smaller needles and space between the branches will make decorating it easier and ornaments will easily be visible once hung on its branches.
• Trim the Christmas tree well before decorating it and make the boughs parallel to the floor.

Artificial Christmas Tree

Gone are the days, when artificial Christmas trees were considered inferior to their real counterparts. Today, with the increase in competition and demand for readymade trees, artificial Christmas trees are flocking the markets, during the festive season. A wide variety of the product is available in the stores, which expands the option of the consumers. While natural pine trees obviously look better and bring more warmth to your Christmas decoration, the artificial one is easier to assemble, decorate and put away for later use. The option of having an artificial Christmas tree is also a boon for environmentalists, as it is a way to save thousands of trees from being cut just for a day of fun.

Over the passing years, artificial Christmas trees have undergone tremendous makeover, which has helped them to look exactly like the real ones. Nowadays, a variety of materials is now used to make artificial Christmas trees, including Balsam Fir, White Pine and Scott Pine. Trees made of fiber optics are in hot trend, because there is no need to worry about the replacement of lights. If you have purchased an artificial Christmas tree for the festival this season, then this article will be handy. Given below are some useful tips to buy and decorate artificial Christmas tree.

Artificial Christmas Tree

• The artificial Christmas tree must be bought keeping the size of the room, its height and floor area in mind. For a very small room, you can use just a cheap artificial tabletop Christmas tree that is not only economical, but also easy to be put away in a corner.
• Cheap small artificial Christmas trees are available on wholesale purposes and on sale during the Christmas season to decorate a large venue.
• Most of the cheap artificial Christmas trees need to be assembled and decorated. They have brackets to hook the branches and then you can hand ornaments, garlands, holiday nosegays and Christmas lights on them.
• Pre-lit artificial Christmas trees are also available in the market. They are little expensive than the tabletop ones, and may have hinged branches that open up like an umbrella. They are normally decorated beforehand and all you have to do is to plug them into the socket to illuminate them.
• Don't forget to buy heavy metal stand to place your tree that can easily support the weight of the tree along with ornaments, lights and decorations.
• Although the artificial Christmas trees available in the stores are already decorated sufficiently, you can add your personal touch to them by making use of homemade ornaments. Depending upon the size of the tree, you may hang bells, toy ornaments and embellishments made of clothespins.
• Many artificial Christmas trees do not come with tree toppers. In such a situation, decorate the tree with a Christmas star or snowman tree topper. This would give the finishing touch to your artificial tree as well as enhance its overall appeal.