Let's decorate our Christmas tree!

After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year. We need lights, ornaments, a star for the top…and presents under the tree.

There are many reasons why Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year

We love Natale! There are many reasons besides food, getting together with family and friends, giving each other gifts, and being kind to others. There are also lights, decorations, Christmas parties, days off work, and beautiful Christmas trees! (Italians also add another element, namely Presepe, the "Nativity scene" that traditionally stays out on display in Italian homes until January 6th).

The origins of Christmas trees

Summing up the origin of the Christmas tree tradition is Time. "A lot of myths surround the origins of Christmas trees - the magazine explains - One legend says that Martin Luther, who catalyzed the Protestant Reformation, believed that pine trees represented the goodness of God. Another myth popular in the 15th century tells the story of St. Boniface, who in the 8th century thwarted a pagan human sacrifice under an oak tree by cutting down that tree; a fir tree grew in its place, with its branches representing Christ's eternal truth. Some versions of this St. Boniface legend say he cut down the new fir tree and hung it upside down, which is believed to have led to the tradition of trees being hung upside down to represent the Holy Trinity — sometimes with an apple wedged at the point instead of a star. All of these stories may have helped the Christmas tradition spread." But according to the magazine, the origins should be sought in more recent eras. "The real origins of Christmas trees appear to be rooted in present-day Germany during the Middle Ages. In 1419, a guild in Freiburg put up a tree decorated with apples, flour-paste wafers, tinsel and gingerbread. In "Paradise Plays" that were performed to celebrate the feast day of Adam and Eve, which fell on Christmas Eve, a tree of knowledge was represented by an evergreen fir with apples tied to its branches. Flanders finds documentation of trees decorated with wool thread, straw, apples, nuts and pretzels."

Fun facts about Christmas trees in the U.S.

Here are some fun facts about Christmas trees, by The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). Approximately 25-30 million Real Christmas Trees are sold in the U.S. annually. There are nearly 350 million Real Christmas Trees currently growing on Christmas Tree farms in the U.S. alone, all planted by farmers. North American Real Christmas Trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. Eighty percent (80%) of artificial trees worldwide are manufactured in China, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Real Trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastics and possible metal toxins such as lead. There are more than 4,000 local Christmas Tree recycling programs throughout the United States. For every Real Christmas Tree harvested, 1 to 3 seedlings are planted the following spring. There are about 350,000 acres in production for growing Christmas Trees in the U.S.; much of it preserving green space. There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas Trees in the U.S., and over 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the industry. It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of typical height (6 – 7 feet) or as little as 4 years, but the average growing time is 7 years. The top Christmas Tree producing states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington.

What are the perfect presents to put under the Christmas tree? 

It is the Holiday Season, and each one of us starts to wonder what gifts to choose for our family and friends. Of course, there is no such thing as the perfect quintessential gift. Instead, there is the one that will make our loved ones happy! If you are running out of ideas, Magnifico has selected many beautiful gift boxes for you that will make your loved ones happy! Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate!