A Christmas tree is simply a decorated stand or tree, usually a deciduous tree, like a Douglas or cypress, spruce, fir, or any other tree of similar size, related to the celebration of Christmas. Most Christmas Trees is decorated with evergreen needles and usually a star or other symbol. Some trees are decorated with more expensive ornaments and are called "Fairy Tales" trees. Decorating a Christmas Tree is done a few weeks before Christmas. Many families have different traditions about what they do for Christmas Trees. Read more about Christmas decorations.
Traditions for Christmas trees vary greatly from one family to another. For example, some families will hang their Christmas trees on their fireplace mantel and decorate them on Christmas Eve. Then on Christmas morning, they all gather around the tree and cut the evergreen branches off with axes, and then shake hands on each other. The person who chopped off the longest branch first, wins the "Christmas Decision."
German Christmas Trees is small in size, often no more than twenty pounds, and is most commonly decorated with candles and bells. A German Christmas Tree is decorated similar to an English Christmas Tree, with usually one or two evergreen branches on each corner of the tree. These branches are usually decorated with pine cones or straw. Some German Christmas Trees may also be decorated with small items such as silver coins, or with an angel or star on top. In the winter time, garland or strings of holly are hung from German Christmas Trees to make it more "cute".
An enormous Christmas tree is called a "Nativity Tree," and is decorated with birch, oak, maple, or other large trees that have been dyed white or various shades of red. These Christmas trees are very expensive, but are used by some Christians because they cannot be found in many homes. In Germany, a nativity tree is decorated for the entire Christmas Eve, and whoever sees it will know Jesus is born.
During the Christmas period, traditionally, there are several special dinner occasions. This would be followed by gift-giving, which is the sending of presents to one's loved ones, usually in the form of handmade Christmas ornaments or Christmas cards. Throughout this time period, people place twinkling or sparkling ornaments on their Christmas trees, and sometimes add lights to make it look more "alive." Many people like to put angel or starry Christmas lights on their Christmas trees, which can be seen shining every night throughout the dark night.
During the Christmas period, most European families celebrate Christmas in a very different way than Americans do. Traditionally, families gather together at the Christmas eve dinner, eat cakes and eat food, and give lavish gifts to one another. But in Germany, a Christmas Eve is not a gathering at all, but a gathering of one's neighbors or friends. On this day, families would visit neighbors and exchange gifts and catch some delicious German food while they're at it. The German Christmas Tree is definitely not made out of a "tree" - it is actually made out of a wreath.
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