Decorating For Christmas, Links.

I adore this tree; it is "Christmas overkill."

      The Christmas tree is often explained as a Christianization of pagan tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice, which included the use of evergreen boughs, and an adaptation of pagan tree worship. The English language phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835 and represents an importation from the German language. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century though many argue that Martin Luther began the tradition in the 16th century. From Germany the custom was introduced to Britain, first via Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, and then more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of Queen Victoria, and by 1841 the Christmas tree had become even more widespread throughout Britain. By the 1870s, putting up a Christmas tree had become common in America. Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments.

      Since the 19th century, the poinsettia, a native plant from Mexico, has been associated with Christmas. Other popular holiday plants include holly, mistletoe, red amaryllis, and Christmas cactus. Along with a Christmas tree, the interior of a home may be decorated with these plants, along with garlands and evergreen foliage.

      In Australia, North and South America, the British Isles, and to a lesser extent continental Europe, it is traditional to decorate the outside of houses with lights and sometimes with illuminated sleighs, snowmen, and other Christmas figures. Municipalities often sponsor decorations as well. Christmas banners may be hung from street lights and Christmas trees placed in the town square.

      In the Western world, rolls of brightly colored paper with secular or religious Christmas motifs are manufactured for the purpose of wrapping gifts. The display of Christmas villages has also become a tradition in many homes during this season. Other traditional decorations include bells, candles, candy canes, stockings, wreaths, and angels.
      In many countries a representation of the Nativity Scene is very popular, and people are encouraged to compete and create most original or realistic ones. Within some families, the pieces used to make the representation are considered a valuable family heirloom.

      Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on Twelfth Night, the evening of January 5 and the traditional colors of Christmas are pine green (evergreen), snow white, and heart red.

     
35 Ideas for Decorating your home this Christmas:

1. A Robeson Design Christmas
2. Christmas Decorating Ideas from House & Home
3. Christmas How To Videos by June Shea - very helpful
4. How to Make Midcentury Modern Christmas Decorations
5. 15 Modern Christmas Decorating Ideas
6. 40 Traditional Christmas Decorations 
7. Ornaments from Poland
8. Ornaments form the 50's
9. The inflatable Christmas
10. Guest Column: A Guide to Christmas Antiques and Vintage Christmas Decorations
11. Decorating With Vintage Christmas Ornaments
12. How to Decorate for Christmas on a Budget
13. Christmas Decorations Walking Tour  Colonial Williamsburg Virginia
14. Festive Flora
15. Christmas Decorating Ideas
16. Beach & Nautical Christmas Decor
17. I still like history, but Christmas trees are better.
18. Ornamental Occasion.
19. Ode To The Artificial Christmas Tree
20. Christmas Decorating Ideas
21. Decorating tips for Christmas
22. Budget decorating for Christmas holidays
23. Beautiful Christmas Decorations
24. Christmas decorating indoors from Better Homes and Gardens
25. 10 Christmas decorating ideas on a budget
26. 10 great vintage Christmas decorating ideas and collectibles
27. Elegant Christmas Decorating
28. Victorian Christmas Decorating
29. Handmade Victorian Christmas Ornaments
30. The Blue Dining Room Christmas
31. Demand grows for upside-down Christmas trees
32. Vintage Decorating and Entertaining Ideas For Christmas
33. Adding Wow Factor to The Christmas Tree
34. Christmas Tree Decorating Tips About Lighting
35. Mix Vintage Finds and Fresh Greenery for Simple Southern Holiday Decor