Ornaments and Tree Traditions Workshop for Kids at Wilton Historical Society

Today, evergreen trees decked out in a colorful array of ornaments, garlands, shiny glass balls, all topped by a star, and are a universal sign of the holiday, along with cards, wrapped gifts, wreaths, and Santa. According to Emma Powers of Colonial Williamsburg, “Most of the ways Americans celebrate the midwinter holiday came about in the nineteenth century . . . . Decorations consisted of whatever natural materials looked attractive at the bleakest time of year–evergreens, berries, forced blossoms–and the necessary candles and fires. . . As for the tree, it is German in origin. “Tannenbaum” gained acceptance in England and the United States only very slowly. The first written reference to a Christmas tree dates from the seventeenth century when a candle-lighted tree astonished residents of Strasbourg. I have found nothing recorded in the eighteenth century about holiday trees in Europe or North America.” Museum Educator Laurie Walker will be discussing tree traditions and the history of ornaments. A penny rug inspired felt ornament is the workshop project. Snack of pretzels dipped in white chocolate.