It was my 3-year-old grandson who walked into the den recently and matter-of-factly said this to his grandmother, "GiGi, there are too many ornaments on the Christmas tree."
He then removed seven or eight of those that didn't meet his approval. When I asked why she let him do that, she replied, "because I can."
The tree is definitely a symbol of the holidays and I trust that your tree, whether real or artificial, is sparkling and twinkling as Christmas morning fast approaches.
The first tree on display in America goes back to 1830 thanks to some German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania. The first decorated tree in Europe dates to 1510 in Latvia.
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An assistant to Thomas Edison had the bright idea in 1882 to put electric lights on trees.
I still will sometimes turn the TV off and gaze at our tree for pure moments of reflection. The ornaments that our children once made at school are now replaced with contributions from grandchildren.
During those moments when I stare across the room my mind will wander to various holiday topics. I'll ask myself random questions such as "What ever happened to tinsel?" Or, "Why was I so originally resistant to an artificial tree all those years ago?"
O Christmas tree
The early decorations on trees consisted primarily of nuts and berries. For a period of time in Europe they also used small candles. Is it just me or doesn't that sound like an invitation for a visit from the fire department?
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Anyway, as I look around our den that is lit only by the white lights of the tree, I can recall a few memories of our children coming into the room with a look of happiness and amazement. Those days are still heartwarming.
As I look around now, the mantle is being asked to display stockings for three grown children, two daughters-in-law, four grandchildren and one grand dog. There's very little room left to hang any more. I'd bet we could make more room if necessary.
What would be your guess as to the most popular tree topping? Number one is a star, with an angel coming in a close second. Like I said, I often am prone to asking random questions.
For unto us
These next few days and hours will no doubt be packed with packages that need to be wrapped and gifts that need to be purchased. You might even spend some time looking out the window for the Amazon truck to deliver something you ordered two days ago.
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Maybe you still need to make a last-minute trip to the mall or perhaps you're wondering if there's time to squeeze in a Christmas Eve service. I know, the clock is ticking.
In the midst of all the mayhem, let's agree to do one more thing. Take a moment to sit in the stillness of the room where your tree resides and take some time to reflect on the magic of this season. Granted, this time of year can elicit sad memories as well as glad ones. But I bet if you allow yourself to bask in the glow of those lights, the happy times will outshine the others.
When it's all said and done it's not the packages that are under that tree, but the people who are gathered around it that make this time so special.