My tree is better than…
Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition—as we now know it—by the 16th century when sources record devout Christians bringing decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce. It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther first added lighted candles to a tree. According to a common version of the story, walking home one winter evening, Luther was awed by the stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles.
In 1846, the popular royals, Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert, were sketched in the Illustrated London News standing with their children around a Christmas tree. What was done at the royal court immediately became fashionable—not only in Britain, but with fashion-conscious East Coast American Society. The Christmas tree had arrived. By the 1890s Christmas ornaments were arriving from Germany and Christmas tree popularity was on the rise around the U.S. Europeans have smaller trees about four feet in height, while Americans like their Christmas trees to extend from floor to ceiling. Electricity brought Christmas lights, making it possible for Christmas trees to glow for days on end. With this, Christmas trees began to appear in town squares across the country and having a Christmas tree in the home became an American tradition. Today’s dazzling assortment of electronic variations yield Christmas trees that flash, wink and even sing.
Amanda Ware, 44, of Bentonville, Arkansas, a mother-of-two quit her job as a teacher to pursue her passion for decorating Christmas trees full-time, charging an average of $1,000 to transform each tree into a winter wonderland. Amanda Ware makes all of her yearly earnings in the last three months of the year. She spends her time doing what she loves – that’s transforming Christmas trees. Amanda decorates at least 100 Christmas trees before December 25. “The magic truly begins whenever people put their Christmas décor up. I am in the business of making people merry,” said Amanda in an interview with Newsweek.
The average person in the United States spends approximately $275 on decorations each year — and around $650 on gifts for family and friends. When asked how they feel about the amount of money they spend, the majority of participants described their holiday spending as worthwhile. Many even said that they wish they could afford to pay for more. As one participant said, “I wish I could spend more and completely indulge in the Christmas season because it’s such a magical and family-oriented time.”
Christmas cookies
Dear Santa….All I want for Christmas is a fat bank account and a slim body.
Please do not mix it up like last year.
How can you tell the age of a fake Christmas tree?
By the tape rings on the box!
How can you tell Halloween is just around the corner?
Stores start putting out their Christmas decorations.
Doug was leaving church after Christmas services when Father McCarthy took him aside. “Douglas, my son,” he said, “It’s time you joined the Army of the Lord. We need to see you every Sunday.” “I’m already in the Army of the Lord, Father,” Doug replied. “Then why do we only see you on Christmas and Easter?” Doug looked to the right and to the left, and then leaned over to whisper in Father McCarthy’s ear. “I’m in the Secret Service.”
December 18th Birthdays
1980 – Christiana Aguilera, 1968 – Bridgette Mendler, 1978 – Katie Holmes, 1924 – Cicely Tyson
1947 – Steven Spielberg, 1964 – Brad Pitt, 1943 – Keith Richards, 1964 – Steve Austin