The best green part of Christmas...

Since winter isn't the time to think about green lawns...let's talk about green trees. Here are a few fun facts about the traditions behind Christmas trees:

Roman Times

• The Christmas tree is thought to predate Christianity by centuries. Ancient Romans decorated trees with bits of metal during their winter festival. It is thought December 25th was chosen as the birth of Jesus Christ to overtake the pagan holiday (after all, shepherds did not tend flock in the dead of winter!).

Middle Ages

• During the Middle Ages, evergreen trees were decorated with apples and called the Paradise tree to celebrate the feast of Adam and Eve and held on the 24th of December.

1500's

• The "traditional" Christmas tree appeared in the 1500's in Germany. They were sold in markets and set up in homes without any ornaments or decorations.

1600's

• Trees at this time were decorated with paper roses, candies, nuts, apples and red paper.
• Tinsel was made out of real silver, however tarnished quickly with the mixture of candlelight, which was used on the trees at that time.

1700's

• Decorations at this were carefully quilted snowflakes and stars, sewing little pockets for secret gifts and sugared almonds.
• Silver tinsel was imported from Germany as well as small beaded decorations.
• Candles were placed in wooden hoops for safety.

1800's

• Along with many handmade ornaments, glass became popular at this time.
• One's social and financial status could be defined by how many glass ornaments were on your tree.

1900's

• During WWI in Europe it was illegal to cut down an evergreen, most families hid away their heirloom ornaments in precious metal boxes to keep them safe.
• The first National American Christmas tree was light at the Whit House in 1923 by President Coolidge.
• Trees became popular again after WWII.
• Trees changed in the '60s with the revolution of plastics; Silver aluminum tree were everywhere, including a revolving multi colored light which allowed the tree to shine in different colors, no decorations were needed for these "hip" trees

Sidenote: Nicoles' dad still has his grandmother's original silver aluminum tree in mint condition, it is a true family heirloom!

Happy Holidays to ALL