DECK THE HALLS

This year it's so important to surround yourself with festive Christmas Decorations to keep your spirits uplifted. So many of our decorating trends have been passed down from generation to generation. Have you ever wondered how some of our Christmas Decorating traditions began?

RED AND GREEN THE COLORS OF CHRISTMAS

Here are a few theories....

1. The evergreen tree remains green the entire winter and represents the eternal life of Jesus. Red represents the blood shed by Jesus during his crucifixion.

2. A play, The Paradise, performed on Christmas Eve told the story of Adam and Eve eating the red forbidden fruit from the green Tree of Good and Evil.

3. Saturnalia, honoring good Saturn between December 17 and December 23, Romans would decorate evergreen leaves and red berries.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

The earliest recording of the Christmas Tree was the symbolic use of evergreens in ancient Egypt and Rome. Germany is credited with the first candlelit Christmas Trees brought to America in the 1800's; due to the danger of fire the candles Thomas Edison created the first strand of lights in 1880.

But, it was his partner Edward H. Johnson who put the first string of electric lights together in 1882. Once the lights became affordable, the middle class wanted more shapes, bigger sizes and light-up displays...Santa Claus, Snowmen, Reindeers, etc. thus we have the outdoor light displays in towns all across America today.

Strands of real silver, tinsel, was added by the Germans as a display of wealth and to reflect the light of the candles. Today our tinsel is colorful machine manufactured polyvinyl. Wonder if that's what started the aluminum tree fad....

The tradition of adding fruit, mostly apples, and nut ornaments, started in the 1600s, once again by Germany. A glass blower, Hans Greiner, couldn't afford apples so he decided to make his own, others liked it and the glass ornament was created! Wealthy Americans would not be outdone, by the turn of the 20th century Woolworths was selling $25 million dollars per year in German-imported glass ornaments!

The Star topping the tree was inspired by the three wise men being led to Bethlehem by the unusual star in the sky. The Angel that appeared in Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus represents the idea of angels watching over and protecting us.

Hallmark Keepsake ornaments began in 1973 and collecting yearly ornaments became a tradition. Today Christmas ornaments represent different things to different people,..travel, anniversaries, births, sports, and Ethnic Culture and History.

MY FAVORITE NEW ORNAMENT FOR NEXT YEAR'S TREE

Let's not forget the reason for the season, my long time friend/ sistah/ soror, Myra gave me this beautiful jeweled cross ornament

for Christmas. Myra has such a kind soul and always find the most unique gifts.

OKAY WE COULD GO ON AND ON ABOUT TRADITIONS RIGHT, .....you get the picture, so let's keep it moving.

IZELLA DORNELL'S 2020 CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR

Izella and her family live in Seabrook, Texas, we've been friends and sorority sisters of Delta Sigma Theta for more than 45 years. Izella and her family have traveled extensively around the world. When I visited her last week I simply had to share her beautifully decorated home.

CUSTOMED FINIAL TOPIARIES ADORN THE FRONT ENTRY

CHRISTMAS TREE WITH FEATURED ORNAMENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

THESE HANDMADE INDIAN JEWELED RIBBONS/BOWS WERE DESIGNED TO ACCENTUATE HER "PUTTING ON THE RITZ" THEME

"PUTTING ON THE RITZ" - COCKTAIL PARTY FIT FOR THE QUEEN!

THE FIREPLACE CONTINUES TO COMPLEMENT THE

"PUTTING ON THE RITZ THEME" THROUGHOUT

GOLD GLITZ AND HOPE

IZELLA'S EXTRAORDINARY "BLACK CHRISTMAS TREE"

Thank You Izella for the tour of your beautiful home. It's obvious that a lot of work and organization went into creating and showcasing your unique holiday decorations from around the world. You have definitely inspired me to get into gear and deck the halls in my home.

"DINNING WITH ROCK'S" CHRISTMAS TRIVIA CONTEST

Be the first to email me at evelyn@rockssoulfood.com, with the correct name of these beautiful beans and receive my Signature Teak wood Spoon Collection!

NEXT WEEK....ROCK'S 2020 NON-TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS

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