What Does Christmas Mean To You?

The season is upon us when many citizen view the day we call
Christmas as a extra time to celebrate the last holiday of the
current year.

Weeks foremost up to this day, you will find that shoppers are
busy strolling the malls for that perfect gift for their love
ones and acquaintances. Even though they sometimes have to shove
their way straight through the crowds, you will still find that levels of
happiness remains high.

Families decorate their surroundings with the smell of pine,
cinnamon and a host of shining lights. Plans are being made to
travel at a distance to engage in the house celebration.

Even the commonly grumpy people, now show a espy of unusual
kindness while this season. The normal stone face with gloomy
eyes now can be seen with a faint smile and eyes that reflect a
tiny sparkle.

Children are especially happy as they wait in anticipation and
expectation of the many surprises they will soon get to unwrap.

It's even a tradition for many to get ready a more abundant and
extraordinary meal for this day called Christmas.

But what does Christmas well mean to you? What is the
celebration well about? Is it more about an outer celebration
or an inner one?

I'm clear that each private will have a different aspect to
the questions asked. And there are no right or wrong answers
because it all depends on where in life one is as to how they
will respond.

For me, I see Christmas far different today than I did ten years
ago, even five years ago. I admit I went the customary route
for a long time in order to give my kids and house the special
day that was expected.

Now, years later, after my kids are grown and have left home. I
now attune to a more deeper and inner celebration. Not just on
this day but daily is extra to me.

Still, somehow Christmas remains a bit more extra because it
marks the birth date of my Lord and Savior. I will continue to
look at this day as spirit filled and to be exceedingly grateful
that Christ was born. Yet, I choose to reconsider daily as
spirit filled because of who created each day as well as being
the creator of you and me and all of this gorgeous Universe.

This day called Christmas has taught me how much more to be
grateful and to feel gratitude for all things and all people.

Behold I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall
be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

Wishing you all the very best of the holidays. May
it be filled with great love peace and happiness.

The History of Christmas Ornaments

In A.D. 336, an early Roman calendar first mentions December 25 as the date of Jesus' birth. This date was likely influenced by the year-end pagan festivals to celebrate the harvest. Celebrations included specially prepared meals, decorating of homes, gift-giving and singing. Gradually, pagan traditions became a part of the Christian celebrations. Most Christmas traditions such as the Christmas tree and ornaments came from central Europe. The earliest German Christmas trees were decorated with food; apples, onions, pears, nuts, candies, and fruits were placed on a tree.

In the 1800s, glass ornaments were first made in the Lauscha, Germany. This bungalow business involved the whole family. Generally, men did the glassblowing, women did the silvering and the children helped to paint and finish them. These gorgeous new glass ornaments began to replace edible decorations.

In Victorian times, Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, a German, brought the tradition from Germany to his new home in England. Soon all of England was in on it.

In the 1840s, Europeans immigrating to North America brought with them their Christmas traditions. Prior to that time, Christmas was not widely sublime in North America. As society became more prosperous, ornaments became larger in size and the colors become more vibrant to reflect the new wealth.

F.W. Woolworth was the first North American retailer to sell glass ornaments. The story goes that he was not too sure about this new stock line. However, Woolworth changed his mind by 1890 when he was selling million worth of ornaments in his five-and-dime stores.

Until 1925, virtually all hand blown glass ornaments were artificial in Lauscha, Germany. By 1935, more then 250 million Christmas ornaments were being imported to the United States. After Wwii, the Lauscha area became a part of East Germany. Many glassblowers fled to West Germany and the business declined. Colse to this time, Japan and Czechoslovakia began producing ornaments for the North American market

In the 1960's, glass ornaments went out of fashion when the aluminum tree adorned with ornaments of similar shape and color became the rage. Many former ornaments were thrown away while this period.

What to Look for in ancient Ornaments

If you're lucky adequate to still have any vintage ornaments, hang on to them.

How to tell vintage versus new. Earlier ornaments were smaller than today's modern ornaments. They were normally done in soft colors with hand painted details. You'll consideration that the paint may be faded or distressed in areas on vintage ornaments.

Hand blown versus motor made. Take off the stem from the base of the ornament. Ornaments that are hand blown will have an uneven base because the glass blower cannot make a clean break. modern motor made ornaments will have a smooth even base.

Where to find vintage ornaments. Ebay, flea markets, church sales and garage sales are all good hunting grounds for vintage ornaments.

Prices

Prices can vary from - 0 depending on the adornment and where you buy it.

Symbolism

Fruit and vegetable shapes symbolize the harvest.

Birds report the biblical messengers that bring God's love and peace to the world. Birds were also symbolic of good luck and good fortune.

Pickle shapes signify luck.

Fish shape is an early Christian fastener for Christ.

Reflectors ornaments (ornaments with geometric concave indentations) while Victorian times, were often called witches eyes and were placed on the Christmas tree to fend off any evil spirits.

Star shapes report the Star of Bethlehem.