FLASHBACK the 16th century

"oh tannenbaum...oh tannenbaum...wie grün sind deine blätter..."
so...way before christianity, evergreen plants and trees held special meaning for people in the winter. they would bring them into their homes for decoration...and hang evergreen boughs over the doors and windows. they believed evergreens would ward off witches, ghosts, evil, and illness. in the 16th century, the christmas tree tradition begins when devout german christians bring decorated trees into their homes. they are typically decorated with apples, nuts, and dates. the protestant reformer, martin luther, is credited for the addition of lights. he is walking home, one evening, in awe of the twinkling stars. to bring this brilliance home to his family, he wires candles to an evergreen tree. 
FLASH FORWARD the 19th century
americans find christmas trees strange. the first tree to be displayed, on record, is by german settlers to pennsylvania in the 1830's. as late as the 1840's, christmas trees are seen as pagan symbols and unaccepted by MOST americans. why were they so backward? new england puritans (you know, those guys responsible for the salem witch trials?) believed that christmas was sacred and that decorations, carols, and joyful celebrations mocked the event. they actually made it a penal offense to observe christmas in any way other than a church service. but...in 1846, queen victoria is sketched, with her family, in front of a beautifully decorated tree...and, just like that...the christmas tree had arrived. 
FLASH FORWARD today
tis the season...people all over the country are decorating trees in their living rooms. maybe they've cut their own. maybe they're aluminum. maybe they're plastic. people are stringing lights...we've definitely learned that it's not safe to use candles!! some will be covered in carefully selected ornaments...some in ornaments the kids have been making since kindergarten. but they will all have one thing in common...they are a sign that christmas is just around the corner...