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Why Christmas Eve is a Special Night for Everyone

Christmas Eve is often considered the most magical night of the year because it is when Santa Claus comes down your chimney with gifts in his sack. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. It is also one of the most divisive. So much so that some people don’t want to be associated with the holiday at all, while others want to celebrate it as enthusiastically and religiously as possible.

If you fall into that latter category, this article isn’t for you. But if you’re on the fence about whether or not to celebrate Christmas Eve, we have some reasons why you should join in anyway.

Experience the Magic of Christmas Eve Even if You’re Not Religious

Here are top reasons why you should celebrate Christmas Eve even if you’re not religious:

• Christmas Eve is all about spending time with loved ones — so why not make it an evening everyone will remember? Whether it’s just the two of you or a large group of family members and friends, there’s plenty of fun things to do together on this night. Dinner out at a nice restaurant or home-cooked meal at home are both great options for this occasion. If you’re looking for something more festive than dinner out, consider going ice skating or playing games with your kids while they wait for Santa Claus (or Father Christmas). The weather might be cold outside but inside with the right company, it can be warm and cozy.

• For many people, Christmas Eve is all about family traditions — whether that means gathering around the dinner table or heading out to church services together. This is especially true for children who look forward to getting presents from Santa Claus on Christmas morning but still enjoy spending time with their parents on Christmas Eve. Some families even have specific rituals they follow every year: singing carols around the tree or watching Christmas specials on TV together.

• It is an excuse for good food and drink. The thing about eating and drinking with family is that it often involves indulging in foods we wouldn’t normally eat or drink because they’re too high in calories or sugar content — like cookies.

• Christmas Eve is a great time to spend with family, friends and loved ones. It is also a great time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas Eve is the last day before Christmas Day, the most important holiday in the Christian calendar. The word “Eve” literally means “eve,” or evening.

The first documented celebration of Christmas Eve was in 336 A.D., when Pope Julius I declared it a festival day — meaning people could have a party and celebrate it in public.

The Christmas story mentions three different times during which Jesus was born: sometime between 6 B.C. and 4 B.C., sometime between 5 B.C. and 4 B.C., and sometime between 4 B.C. and 3 B.C.. This discrepancy has led some historians to believe that there were two different Jesus Christs, one born in 5 B.C., who lived until 30 A.D., and another born in 6 B..

But truly, what matters are the memories we make.

How to pick the perfect backdrop for your Christmas tree

Deciding where to put your Christmas tree can be more challenging than choosing the perfect tree. From bright, colorful walls to patterned wallpaper, it is important to choose a background that will reflect your style. The best way to find the background for your Christmas tree is to start by taking note of the size of your tree. Besides, it’d be easier if you knew what to look for.

First, find out what comes in your tree box by checking the instructions or looking at the box. Then once you know the size of your container, find a background that will fit! The easiest way to do this is to measure your container. If you don’t already know the size, then look for backgrounds on sale. They’re often cheaper during Christmas time as well.

Consider the size and style of your tree

To help you further narrow down your options and find the best deal, here are some tips on finding the best background for your Christmas tree:

If you have a small tree, you may want to use it as part of the decoration itself – it can be quite interesting to look at when decorated differently. A small tree may look adorable, but when you don’t have enough space in your living room, it will be out of proportion. Likewise, a tree that’s too tall for its surroundings may seem awkward or take up too much space — especially if you have a low ceiling height. If you have already allotted the number of decorations you are going to use and feel like they would clash with your tree size, then having a plain background is necessary.

If you want to create a more permanent, festive feel for your Christmas tree, use a canvas drop cloth to create a patterned background. The full silhouette of your tree will be visible through the drop cloth as you decorate its branches with Christmas lights and ornaments.

Play with colors and patterns

Next, look at the base of your tree. The color and size of that part should be similar to the rest of the tree. Also consider whether you’ll hang lights on your tree; if so, make sure the box is big enough to hold them.

Make sure you choose a stand suited to the size of your tree; choose an extra-large tree skirt or no skirt at all (makes you look like a super fancy fun house). A shiny silver one, which makes your tree look even more festive.

Select a stand that will not only support the weight of your tree, but one that is also visually appealing. A brightly colored stand or a solid silver or gold stand will make an ordinary tree look extraordinary.

Finally, if you want to create an elegant and romantic display, try hanging white lights on a dark green background. Or consider some other options for this year’s holiday season.

You can use a tree skirt, keep it natural by choosing corduroy, chenille or fur. Or, mix your options and choose patterned cotton fabrics in neutral tones like black, white or ivory.

The Origins of Christmas Trees and their Evolution

What comes to mind when you think of a regular Christmas tree? Baby Jesus? Christmas? Or, perhaps, the tree of life?

Well, those are just the norm (hardly would you think of a Christmas tree today without remembering yuletide). But what’s more?

Trees may be associated with the celebrated Christmas holiday, but they are a lot more. In fact, the origins of Christmas trees go beyond the Christ-glorifying standards they stand for today.

Evergreens — vines that remain green all year long — have been recognized in several climes across the globe, for centuries. But Americans never seemed to be impressed (they rarely ever embrace the tradition of trees back in the day).

The Historical Significance of Christmas Trees

Christmas trees, as of the 4^th century C.E, were associated with the tradition of pagans. European pagans commonly styled their homes with evergreen branches just to invite color (their winters were mostly always dull, so they needed some light). But besides them, the Romans also embraced the use of branches. To honor their god — Saturn — they usually used same branches to dress their homes, and that’s during the festival called Saturnalia.

Thanks to their pagan origin, the Christmas tree tradition never appeared to American setters as something they should embrace. They were quite reluctant to jump on the booming trend. Though the Germans, on the other hand, seemed pretty much interested — they brought to the new country, for the first time, the stylish indoor evergreen, though it didn’t come off as an eventual success.

The Evolution and Cultural Significance of Christmas Trees

The freshly-settled Puritans seemed also to be die-hard supporters of Yuletide, but they detested paganism. To them, influences such as those introduced by the Christmas trees should be rejected and greatly frowned at. And that explains, practically, why the early government representatives — like Oliver Cromwell and William Bradford, attempted a dismissal of the new Christmas trends on the grounds of being ‘heathen’ and some sort of ‘pagan mockery’.

In the mid-1600s (around 1659, to be exact), a general court enacted a law illegalizing the celebration of Christmas across the space. The only point of consideration was church attendance — you may go to church to celebrate your savior, Jesus Christ, but don’t buy trees, says the General Court of Massachusetts. Do church, do meals but don’t do trees.

So… what exactly made Americans love Christmas trees? What changed? No one knows.

While it may be certain that Americans, who were once against the tradition of Christmas trees during holidays, have now turned to be one of the greatest fanatics of the same, it is not exactly certain what brought about the switch.

Regardless, some claim a tree was chopped down sometimes in the 18^th century by an English monk — because it was being used for rituals. But later on, its fall became significant in the affirmation of Christianity.

Whatever the case, what remains unchanged is that the American community has embraced Christmas trees, and till date, they remain a vital part of Christmas celebration you can hardly do without.