‘O’ GLORIOUS CHRISTMAS TREE
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan
Christmas is the most joyous of holidays. It is a time to rejoice in the love of our families and the strong bond that we share with our good friends.
There are many traditions that signify the arrival of the holiday. Santa with his fuzzy white beard and his jolly belly and a warm “Ho! Ho!” puts many a smile on a child’s face and excitement in their hearts.
Stand under the mistletoe and give a big hug and a peck on the cheek to lover, friend, co-worker and even foe.
Each generation has their own genre of music but at this particular time of the year, there are no distinctions of age. Songs such as “Jingle Bells”, “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Silent Night” draw people together in a magical sort of way.
But one of the greatest traditions of all is the majestic Christmas Tree. The importance of family becomes even more evident as picking out the perfect tree becomes a family event and decorating it becomes even more of a union of the family. Each ornament placed on a delicate pine branch holds memories of years past and anticipation of years to come. Our little ones will grow up and begin their own traditional tree decorating with their family and that gives us a good feeling.
The brilliantly lit Christmas tree is not just part of our homes. We eagerly look forward to the lighting of the Christmas tree in Washington and Rockefeller Center in New York City. Year after year it brings warmth and good cheer to see a holiday tradition draw so many people together. Every country around the world is proud to display their special tree that represents a belief in this grand holiday of the spirit of giving and love.
Here are some of the most beautiful Christmas trees around the globe:
A Christmas tree in Madrid.
A Christmas tree in Beirut, Lebanon.
A Christmas tree in Megeve, France topped with Swarovski crystals.
A Christmas tree in Hong Kong.
This Christmas tree illuminates the old Portuguese-inspired architecture of Macau …
A Christmas tree in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Here is a tree in the northern Philippines.
A Swiss Christmas tree in Zurich.
A Christmas tree in Warsaw, Poland.
A Christmas tree in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Here is a Christmas tree in the Michigan Capitol.
A Christmas tree in Bogota, Columbia.
A Christmas tree in Moscow, Russia.
A Christmas tree in front of Philadelphia City Hall.
If a Christmas tree seems a bit too grand for your liking, why not settle for a sweet-smelling pine wreath? It says just as much about the spirit of the holiday and the warm tidings it brings.
PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images, Chan/Newscom, KA/Newscom
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