First of all, we from the tropics unfortunately do not have the real Christmas tree. In fact that could even be one of the reasons why we put up our plastic ones quite early. They just never lose their pine leaves. Hmmm, I doubt it though. We just like the feeling of Christmas as early as possible. So when the BER-months strike, it is time to put up a tree.
In comparison, the childhood Christmas of hubby was celebrated quite 'germanly'. With the Advent Wreath and Advent Calendar, they wait patiently for Christmas. Christmas decorations inside and around the house but no Christmas Tree. The tradition is that Christmas trees should not be decorated until Christmas eve. This persists still. On the 24th of December, Stephan and his brothers were not allowed to enter the "Herrenzimmer", the formal living room. Only when their father rang the bell sometime at 6pm, then they were to come in and see and admire the tree. Of course, the gifts under the tree get their attention much more than the tree itself. Their Christmas Bescherung (giving of gifts) starts.
Here in Slovakia, the only person I asked how they do it is my Slovak teacher and she confirmed that it is the same as in Germany.
We personally decorate our tree with the trimmings from his childhood like the three very big glass balls, and some favorite figures of his; some ornaments collected from different parts of the world like the glass balls and bells from Palestine, some figures from Australia and New Zealand; ribbon from El Salvador; little handmade angels given as gift from his mother; some glass droplets from his Nanny; finish it with lametta to signify snow; and we top it with a star made out of capiz shell from the Philippines.
Ah and we never wait for Christmas eve to put it up!!!
Happy decorating!
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