Christmas and Christmas Trees

So much can be said about the meaning of Christmas, and why and how we celebrate it. But if we're honest enough to admit, the season just doesn't seem complete without the presence of Christmas trees.

Whether it be the tall and elaborate ones we find in commercial establishments or the simple 4-feet Christmas trees we find in homes , they have become a symbolic branding of the season.

Christmas trees, during the olden days, were parabolic of life despite the coldness of winter. Some studies believe that these trees have been used in medieval plays linked to the story of creation, involving the feast day of Adam and Eve. To fully represent the garden of Eden, "Paradise Trees," consequently hung with fruit, became integral stage play props. Other studies also conclude that the first ever person to bring a Christmas tree into a home was 16th century German Preacher Martin Luther.

Whatever its origin is, the concept of Christmas trees has surely branched into other multiple forms of creativity. From recycled water bottles, to pizza boxes, and even to books and pillows stacked one on top of the other, almost every idea thinkable has been materialized, all in the name of coming up with a festive Christmas tree.

The island of Cebu is definitely no stranger to this, as the land of dancing inmates is even the home to some of the most expressive Christmas trees ever. A quick trip to your nearest shopping mall and luxury hotel will validate how fond Cebuanos are of making a yuletide statement.

By the end of November, you can bet that photos of your peers and family-buddies standing in front of a Christmas tree in some popular establishment start popping up in social media. To enterprises, Christmas trees are more than just a commemoration. They are a great avenue for marketing propaganda and identity ownership.

But to families, the significance of a Christmas tree is more than that. Decorating it has even become a much awaited activity for families, as this becomes an artistic approach to family bonding. Definitely, this is something children and adults alike can enjoy.

Photo from Savethechildren.org

There is something special about the way a Christmas tree feels like in the presence of a home.The ones we find in grand public places are spectacular, but the ones we find in homes speak of intimacy and togetherness. As if to say, this is what we're made of and as a team, this is who we are, a Christmas tree's novelty can go as far as you allow it to.