When you hang ornaments and lights on your Christmas tree, you’re preserving a centuries-old tradition … and upholding a practice of positivity that has helped civilization thrive through dark times for generations. Here’s some intriguing history on how Christmas trees and decorations help keep the holidays festive while doing wonders for our mental health. Greenery in the Gloom Although this part of the U.S. generally experiences milder winters than most, it can be downright brutal in other places worldwide. The heavy snow, frigid air, and dark skies often make people retreat into their homes and sometimes experience moods that match the gloominess outdoors. Fortunately, as their name suggests, evergreen trees keep their color all year long, leading them to be viewed by various cultures as a sign of vitality. Greenery played a significant role in the Winter Solstice celebrations observed in Ancient Rome, while Germanic and Scandinavian peoples began bringing evergreen trees indoors to brighten the atmosphere in their homes as early as the 16th century. Branches Bearing Beauty
LIGHTS AND LEGENDS
Of course, one of the best things about having a tree in one’s home is that things can be hung from it, and adding ornaments became a holiday staple in some parts of the world by the 1800s. Germanic peoples were largely responsible for starting the trend, first by hanging fruits and nuts from the branches, which some historians believe was done in homage to the previous fall’s harvest. Eventually, these foods were replaced by more permanent glass, paper, and yarn items. As for the lights added to the trees to symbolize a reprieve from the darkness of winter, candles were initially hung on trees before being replaced by the considerably safer electric lights we use today. Whether you purchase your ornaments or make them yourself, hanging them alongside lights on your tree this year keeps one of the world’s oldest traditions of self-care going and glowing!
Holiday Ornaments Through the Ages
Take a Break
DIRECTIONS 1. CRISPY PROSCIUTTO AND CHEESE SLIDERS INGREDIENTS • 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto • 1 package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise • 1/4 cup fig preserves • 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese • 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese • 1/2 cup melted butter • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme • 2 chopped garlic cloves • Black pepper, to taste Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange prosciutto and bake for 8–10 minutes. 3. On a separate lined baking sheet, place the bottom halves of the rolls and spread fig preserves over them. 4. Layer with fontina and Swiss cheese. Top with crispy prosciutto. 5. Place the top half of the rolls over the prosciutto and gently press down. 6. In a bowl, mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. 7. Pour butter mixture over rolls. Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes. 8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, and separate before serving.
CARDINAL COOKIES FROSTY GINGERBREAD
GIFTS MENORAH MITTENS PEPPERMINT
PINECONES SAGITTARIUS SNOWBALL YULE
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