Branching Out The History and Symbolism of Christmas Trees
them to reflect their tastes, travels, and traditions, whether picking up ornaments on vacation to pin them to the branches or patterning them with red and green lights to capture the holiday spirit. But where does the Christmas tree tradition come from, and how did trees become a mainstay in homes
off land of Germany. There, Christians would bring trees into their homes and decorate them to celebrate Christmas. Martin Luther, the famous monk who started the Protestant Reformation, is believed to have been the first one to add lit candles to a tree, sparking our long-held tradition of lit-up Christmas trees. MODERN CHRISTMAS TREES In the mid-1800s, a popular illustration of popular British royals Queen Victoria and Prince Albert — themselves of German heritage — standing around a Christmas tree made waves in America. Throughout the latter half of the 19th century, Christmas trees and ornaments imported from Germany became increasingly popular. While Europeans tend to prefer shorter trees, Americans, as is tradition, prefer taller and more grandiose varieties. Soon, Christmas trees became ubiquitous with the holidays, and to this day, most American families form fond memories around them every year.
across the country? WELCOMING WINTER
The winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, takes place in late December. For centuries, the occasion has been celebrated around the world with decadent feasts and symbolic traditions, where participants would do their best to ward off the cold dark through bonfires and lights. These celebrations inevitably featured trees, which were often festooned with decorations. FROM GERMANY, WITH LOVE The original Christmas Tree tradition is often thought to have started in the 1500s in the far-
Few sights are as special as finely wrapped presents gathered under a tall, green, and abundantly ornamented Christmas tree. According to the American Christmas Tree Association, in 2023, around 75% of American households displayed Christmas trees for the holidays. Families across America adorn their trees with special decorations and personalize
TAKE A BREAK
Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese
Colder weather means mac and cheese! Try this spicy twist on a weeknight classic.
Ingredients • 2 sticks butter, divided
• 2 tsp salt • 2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1 lb bacon, chopped and cooked • 8 jalapeños, seeded and chopped • 1 lb macaroni, cooked • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup flour • 5 cups milk • 8 oz cream cheese • 3 cups shredded white cheddar cheese, divided • 4 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
Directions 1.
Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. In a large saucepan, melt 1 stick butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until fully absorbed in butter. Whisk in milk slowly. 3. Once sauce thickens, stir in cream cheese and shredded cheese until melted, reserving 1 cup of each shredded cheese. Add seasonings, bacon, and jalapeños before removing from heat, then combine pasta and sauce. 4. In a small skillet, melt remaining butter and stir in panko. 5. In a greased baking dish or skillet, add macaroni and top with panko and remaining cheese. Bake for 30–40 minutes and serve warm.
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