Make your Christmas tree beautiful

Christmas is coming and it is time to start shopping for the decorations before december is upon us. Let us start with the Christmas tree topper.

The most important part of the Christmas tree is the top of it (although children will probably argue it is the bottom where the presents are ;)). The top piece brings the entire decoration of the tree together and as such it is important to pick one that is both beautiful and fits the rest of the decorations.

Here I will share some of the most beautiful tree toppers you can get for your christmas tree.

Why are we putting a live tree in our living room?

It sounds like madness! First we go out into the cold weather and search for hours to find the perfect fir or pine tree. Then we cut it down, transport it home and haul it inside the house. After this we remove the lowest branches, place the tree in our living room and start decorating it. For people who have not grown up with this tradition it must seem quite ridicolous, however for all the rest of us, the Christmas tree is one of the most important traditions of the holiday. Even though Christmas traditions vary from country to country and even from family to family, most will agree that there is no Christmas without a Christmas tree.

The origin of the Christmas tree goes all the way back to the 15th century where the first fir tree was put up in Latvia, but often the Christmas tree tradition is credited to the germans.

The popularity rose all through the 18th and 19th century and by the 20th century trees were used commercially by department stores and were also being put up by city councils in public places.

In 1844 H.C. Andersen wrote a story called "Grantræet" (translated to "The Fir-tree") recounting the fate of a Christmas tree after Christmas. It is actually quite a sad story, however it makes you think and if you are not already familiar with the fairy tales of H.C. Andersen it might be an interesting introduction. (I would recommend also reading some of the more famous ones as not all of his stories are as gloomy.

If you want to read more about the origin of the Christmas Tree, have a look at wikipedia or try one of the book or DvD listed below. Traditions are awesome, however they become even more interesting when you know the origin. :)

If you are interested in knowing more about Christmas Tradtions in Denmark particularly, then check out my lens on the subject.

A small note: "the Fir-tree" is called "the Pine Tree in the book "the Complete Fairy Tales and Stories" Mentioning this to avoid confusion. :) )

The star in the top of the Christmas tree is an homage to the Star of Bethlehem that let the three wise men to Jesus on the night of Christmas.

As such the star is a symbol of our own search for Jesus and it emphasizes that the celebration is in his honor.

Even for non Christians, the star is a necessity for the perfect Christmas tree and it is part of the multitude of Christmas traditions that makes the holiday so special.

Below is my absolute favorite star shaped tree topper. Now doesn't that get you in the Christmas spirit?

The angel Christmas tree topper is representing the choir of angels that awoke the shepheds on Christmas night.

For many Christians it becomes a reminder of the religious nature of the holiday and of the Nativity Story.

For non Christians it is often a very powerful tradition that just belongs and often tied to how the tree topper looked when they were children.

Below is the most beautiful angel topper I have come across so far.

Personally my Christmas tree has always been sporting a star and for me the very idea of putting an angel (or anything else for that matter) is unthinkable! Which side are you on?

Star or Angel?

If you are tired of stars and angels for your christmas tree, then why not try a Ribbon bow tree topper. If you match the colour of your Christmas tree top bow with the rest of the decorations and ornaments, then you are certain to have a stylish and elegant Christmas tree.

Here are some of the most beautiful Ribbon toppers on the marked.

In 1958 Disney first aired the Christmas special "From All of Us to All of You", which featured vintage clips and teaser for upcoming Disney movies. In Denmark (and in the rest of the nordic countries as well as in the UK) the show has been rerun continuously every year since. For many families watching the show during Christmas day is a tradition and as such Disney plays a big part in the Christmas Celebrations.

Since coming to Ireland I have not been able to catch the show and it is one of the traditions I really miss.

Disney is full of magical fun and if you want you can add some of that to your Christmas tree by getting one of the Disney Christmas Tree toppers below.

Barbie was launched by Mattel in 1959 and is one of the most beloved dolls in the world.

Even if Barbie sales has dropped a bit in recent years they are still very popular for any girl that likes to play dress up with dolls.

Why not make the Christmas tree extra exciting for your little girl by topping it off with one of these barbie doll Christmas tree toppers?

A lightsaber wielding Yoda or a giant santa. The imagination amongst Christmas tree topper-designers is not lacking! :)

No matter if you have a Star and angel or a Disney tree topper I am sure your Christmas tree will be lovely!

Merry Christmas to everyone out there regardless of your Christmas Tree topper choice! :)

(note I can not guarantee that the Christmas Tree Stoppers featured here are antiques, so make sure you investigate thoroughly before you purchase.)