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Christmas Decorating
> Christmas Tree Decorating
Tannenbaum Toppers
Options for the Top of the Christmas Tree
Many families form a tradition around decorating
the Christmas tree, and it is usually one person’s appointed job
to place the final item on top of the Christmas tree.
What if you did not have a Christmas tree topper passed down as
an heirloom, or did not receive one as a wedding or graduation
gift? What then?
Angel
The angel is a traditional Christmas tree topper, and there are
many on the market. Some angels are made of coiled wire with
beads and glitter, for a modern take on an old favorite. But
most angels that you will find for resting atop your Christmas
tree will have long flowing gowns, and faces of either
porcelain, resin, or plastic.
The angel atop your tree could be symbolic of the angel who
visited Mary, Mother of Jesus, or the angels who were singing to
celebrate his birth. They could also be an acknowledgement and
appreciation of the angels that surround us and protect us every
day.
Star
Another traditional Christmas tree topper is the star. Most star
toppers light up, as the nature of a star is to be radiant and
twinkling, but not all of them do. There are stars available on
the market that do not light up.
Church
Consider removing the bottom of a birdhouse that resembles a
small white church and using it as a Christmas tree topper. For
a more homespun Christmas, a church can be created from a milk
carton and paint, complete with an opening and closing door.
Helmet
Hey, sports fans! Here is an idea: Take one of those autographed
helmets you have been collecting and display it on top of your
holiday tree. Carry the sports theme throughout the whole tree,
if you want, for a fun Christmas tree that is sure to be a
conversation starter.
Wedding cake top
Nestle the decoration you used atop your wedding cake into the
boughs at the peak of your tree. You really can not beat this
choice for a romantic and personal touch.
Snowflakes
Large snowflakes specifically designed as holiday tree toppers
are an excellent choice for a white winter theme. They are
usually made of either wire or flocked material, and many
snowflakes are wired with white twinkling lights. As an added
bonus for some celebrants, snowflakes celebrate the beauty of
winter without alluding to any particular religious tradition.
Starbursts
Also usually made or wire and lights or flocked material,
starbursts are another option for your tree this Christmas.
Unlike stars, which are shaped in five-point stars or as David’s
star, starbursts replicate multiple rays of varying lengths
shooting out from a central point. Starbursts are a striking
addition to your Christmas tree.
Vintage glass pillars
For a touch of class and to evoke memories of bygone
Christmases, opt for a vintage or reproduction glass pillar for
your tree topper. These are not ideal for homes with adventurous
pets or small curious children, but they tower atop a tree,
adding several inches to its visual height and can bring a burst
of color at its peak.
There are several options on the market for topping your
tannenbaum, from the spiritual to the sporty. You could even
choose a different one for each tree, if you have more than one
in your home.
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