History of the Christmas Tree

Make 3-D Christmas Cookie Trees

Your donation to the site, even the smallest amount, will help us distribute our children's ministry resources to churches across the world.

The tradition of decorating the Paradeisbaum, or Paradise Tree, began in Europe. On Christmas Eve, Christians celebrated the holiday by acting out key events from Scripture. One of the most beloved skits was the Garden of Eden scene. Because apple trees do not bear fruit in winter, an evergreen tree was used instead. Actors would hang apples on these Paradise Trees and over time they added dried fruits, nuts, and other simple decorations.

The growing popularity of the Paradeisbaum is often credited to Martin Luther. According to tradition, he added the first lighted candles to his Paradise Tree after walking home through the woods one winter evening. While preparing a sermon, he was struck by the beauty of the starlit sky shining through the evergreens. 

Wanting to share this wonder with his family, he brought an evergreen tree indoors and wired small candles to its branches to recreate that breathtaking scene. (Don't try this at home!)

Over the years, Paradise Trees became known as Christ Trees, and eventually Christmas Trees. It is believed that German immigrants brought this tradition to America, particularly those who settled in Pennsylvania. The diary of Matthew Zahm of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, records the arrival of the Christmas tree in the New World on December 20, 1821.

Today, millions of Christians around the world decorate their Christ trees with Chrismon or Jesse Tree ornaments. How wonderful to know that the Christmas tree tradition is not a pagan practice, but grew from a desire to retell and celebrate Bible stories!

Make a 3-D Cookie Tree

Ingredients: A box of ice cream sugar cones, green frosting, white frosting, and small red candies or red frosting. (To make it easy on yourself, buy the ready-to-use white frosting in a can and color it with green food color, and buy the white decorator frosting in the tubes.) 

How To Make: Turn the sugar cones upside down and spread the green frosting over the outside of the cones. Apply the white frosting like a garland, and place the red candies on the trees for the ornaments. (Or, make dots with red frosting.) Enjoy!

This easy-to-make treat is one of the projects you'll find in Journey to the Manger - Kids Can @ Christmas Time! - An Advent celebration of 31 crafts and recipes!

 

Your donation to the site, even the smallest amount, will help us distribute our children's ministry resources to churches across the world.

Subscribe to our Newsletter - Learn More