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Decorating the Christmas Tree

Some historians contend that decorating the Christmas tree extends back to the 7^th century to a monk who went to Germany. He brought a tree for the people to decorate with simple, white candles. It wasn't until 1610 that tinsel (made with pure silver) was added to the tree.

Eventually, the Christmas tree made its way to England where decorations became more ornate, with glass beads and hand-sewn snowflakes. In the 1800s, the tradition of decorating the tree crossed the Atlantic and became a staple in American homes ever since.

A few tips for decorating a Christmas tree:

• Use two sets of lights. The shorter set will spiral around the trunk of the tree from top to bottom, while the longer version will spiral around the branches.

• Use two color schemes: Place the main color on the tips of the branches and the secondary color deeper into the tree, giving depth to the display.

• Use a unique, as well as elegant ornament at the top that symbolizes the spirit of Christmas. (Stars and angels have been some of the popular choices in the past).

• Keep you tree fresh and green: It’s important to check and refill the water level several times a day for the first week. You can cut down on frequency later.

• Try prolonging the life of your tree by mixing up a concoction of 1 quart water, ½ cup light corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon of liquid bleach.