Christmas tree

Why Is Christmas tree So Important for Kids?

Everyone would agree that decorating and handpicking the Christmas tree is an annual Christmas tradition. For Ukrainians making dumplings (if you want to make perfect dumplings, make sure you have dumpling maker) is as essential as decorating the Christmas tree for kids. If the holiday season is fun for kids, it is fun for the whole family. 

History of the Christmas tree

The evergreen (as we used it to call) tree has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years. Both Christians and Pagans used this tree to decorate their homes. What is different about the way pagans decorated their homes is that they did not use the whole tree, but only its branches. They used to decorate their homes during the winter solstice (it made them think of the spring to come). Christians decorate the whole tree and consider it a sign of the everlasting life of God. 

It is considered that the Christians’ first use of the Fir tree dates back to approximately 1000 years ago. Most of Fir trees were hung upside down. Cherry or hawthorn plants were alternative to Fir trees and were also used as Christmas trees. Those who had no money to buy a plant made pyramids of woods and decorated them with candles, paper, apples and other fruits. 

Quick Christmas Tree Facts

  • Firstly, the tradition of decorating the Fir trees was a Pagan tradition. This tradition dates back to the Roman times (they decorated Christmas trees at the beginning of the New Year celebration). 
  • The first Christmas tree was decorated in 1510 in Riga, Latvia
  • In the mid 17th century, first Christmas trees were decorated with small candles
  • The idea of electric lighting to decorate the Christmas tree was brought by Edward Jhonson (who was the assistant of Thomas Edison) in 1882.

Should You Let The Kids Take Over The Tree?

Of course. If you let your kids decorate your Christmas tree, you will see how enjoyable, bright, funny, warm and surprising Christmas holidays should look. Decorating the Christmas tree children is an honest reflection of every family. It is the most sincere, the purest representation of joy and happiness. Children remind us of our childhood and our strong desire to see Santa Claus putting presents into our socks or under the shining Christmas tree. 

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”

Children make us kinder to others, as they teach us to see the world through the eyes of a child. Although having a Christmas tree up with young kids underfoot can add a little household chaos, every parent should try this Christmas tradition, as nothing is better than a friendly family decorating a beautiful Fir tree.