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 The hanging of the Christmas tree ornament is a tradition that many children and adults, alike, look forward to and treasure year after year. Whether artificial or handpicked from a corner lot, the family tree is the heart of the joyous holiday season in many homes. Once it has been erected, and the holiday lights have been untangled and hung, it is time to hang each and every Christmas tree ornament collected throughout the years. No matter what shape they are in or what material they are constructed of, each has its own special memory to reflect on or story to retell. The decorating process is just as memorable as the decorations themselves.
The traditions behind these treasured adornments date back to the mid-19th century in Lauscha, Germany. While greenery was once decorated with fruit, popcorn, and festively cut pastries, glass blown baubles were the first Christmas tree ornament produced for that purpose. The popular glass bead garlands created by a man named Hans Greiner led many experienced artists in that area to try their hand at a similar product, glass blown figures. Initially, they were produced to look like nuts or various fruits. Through the process of glass blowing, they were molded, lined with a silver nitrate solution, and later hung by hook to add to the holiday décor. The popularity of this new practice spread quickly through Germany, putting Lauscha on the map. Many of the towns people, young and old, were involved in the production to keep up with the high level of demand. With the use of these baubles by Queen Victoria beginning in 1832, the small town was soon exporting their prized decorations all over Europe. During the late 1800’s, the United States found its way into the craze when F.W. Woolworth began to sell them in his department store. It led many American artisans to join in on production. William DeMuth created the first Christmas tree ornament in the United States in 1870. That was only the beginning for a newfound American tradition that still sees astronomical numbers in sales and imports.
Today, adornments of all shapes, sizes, and material are created and sold in stores around the globe. From childhood characters to the more traditional glass ball and Santa Claus, they range in price and quality as well. While they were once strictly made of glass, they are now made of such things as paper, fabric, plastic, metal, and wood. They may be big or small, breakable, or quite durable. Some are that one Christmas tree ornament that was specifically picked because of a connection that was felt to it, while others were gifts from friends or family. Each one has continued to be hung because of its memory or story. Although holiday decorations are available in stores and online retailers alike, some of the most meaningful pieces are those that have been personalized or created specifically with the recipient in mind. Many children make them year after year to give as gifts or to adorn their own tree. The ornaments created from their hearts will be treasured for many years to come.
Whether a theme of decorations is chosen or it is a display of the family history and memories, each Christmas tree is a representation of the holiday spirit within a home. What started out as a simple glass blown bauble grew to a treasured tradition for so many worldwide.
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