The calendar confidently resets leaflets marked "December", which means that the New Year is getting closer. Pleasant fuss, shopping trips, plans and dreams - we are slowly joining this marathon. But the most important thing is, of course, the Christmas tree, without which this holiday is unthinkable. We learn how to decorate this tree so that the meeting of the coming year remains in memory a bright event.
Christmas tree decoration tradition
The tradition of decorating the Christmas tree came from Germany - at the beginning of the 16th century, this tree turned from Christmas attribute into a symbol of winter holidays in general (good, the spread in time between Christmas and New Year is not large).
According to one version, the festive tree owes its canonical appearance to Martin Luther - it is believed that he put a coniferous tree with candles and a Bethlehem star at the top on the festive table (before that, beech twigs and young stock were widely used).
The first Christmas trees were small - so that you can hoist them on the table. In the 17th-18th centuries, coniferous beauty became a tradition throughout Europe, and large trees became fashionable. A little later, the holiday tree reached the USA, and modest decorations were replaced by wax and cardboard, and then glass toys. 
In Russia, the first such decorations appeared through the efforts of Peter I, but they became relatively popular only by the end of the 19th century: because it was one of the objects of aristocratic life.
Important! On Christmas tree bazaars, trees are often sold with related branches. Before you buy the tree you like, ask the seller to remove the thread to make sure that this instance has the correct form.
The turbulent twentieth century was reflected in the "biography" of the trees: with the beginning of World War I, Nicholas II, remembering the German roots of the tradition, forbade them to decorate - they say, this is an enemy custom. The Bolsheviks, having come to power, canceled this decree, but less than ten years later, the Christmas tree fell under another prohibition: in 1926 it was recognized as part of the anti-Soviet rite.
Only on the New Year of 1936, the green beauties were rehabilitated, and since then, slender trees with a chic pine aroma have become an essential attribute of the New Year's celebration in our area.
There are many varieties of spruce. We advise you to familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of spruce conic, as well as Serbian, blue, barbed and common spruce.
How to decorate the Christmas tree
Everyone knows that how you meet the coming year - so spend it. Therefore, much attention is paid to its symbols, which they are trying to decorate a festive tree.
2018, according to the eastern calendar, is the year of the earthly dog, which tends to any shade of yellow. Orange and sky blue are also suitable. To face the mistress of the year and green with brown, but the first in the dark version will merge with the color of the needles, while the second is not particularly festive and bright.
Did you know? The first in the USSR holiday of the New Year tree with all its attributes (including the matinee) was held at the very end of 1935 in the Palace of Pioneers of Kharkov.
The solution is simple - to give preference to decorations with a golden hue, namely:
- golden and golden blue;
- saturated yellow;
- gold and white;
- a combination of green and gold;
- bright green elements resembling the color of meadow green will also look good.
The only exception is the intense red color that scares the Dog, reminding her of the fire. Many decorate the tree with toys in the form of a symbol of the year - combinations of toys in the form of the “patron” of the coming year and other symbols under which the owners of the house are born are considered especially successful.
If you do not have enough space for a traditional spruce tree in your house, you can replace it with such coniferous plants as araucaria, boxwood, room cypress, juniper and thuja.
The rest of the decoration process depends on the flight of fancy. The main thing - the tree should look harmonious. That is, toys and garlands are placed so that they visually emphasize the whole look of the tree.
Inspired by the decoration of one side or several branches, they usually get the opposite effect - the Christmas tree seems to be overloaded, which they try to avoid. In addition, for a small tree, it threatens the advantage. To rule out this development, keep in mind simple rules:
- toys should be commensurate with the tree (large Christmas tree will fit large, medium - smaller decor);
- the largest of them are placed at the bottom, gradually reducing the size in the upward direction;
- products of the same shape or color spread apart from each other;
- plays a role and location of the tree. So, the Christmas tree exposed to the center of the room is hung evenly, and placed in the corner with an emphasis on the visible side (they hang everything bright in front, while toys are more modest placed behind, thereby creating a balance).
Important! The trunk of the tree at the very bottom is cleared of bark by 8-10 cm: this allows opening the pores. The tip itself is sharpened with a sharp knife.
Finally, about the top - usually it is crowned with a star or a snowflake, although they are gradually replaced by figures of various characters or bows of various forms: from a modest butterfly to an impressive "jellyfish", covering all the upper branches. In any case, be guided by your taste and do not forget about security. 
Classic style
Fans of traditional style prefer medium height trees (about 1.5-2 m). The basis of the decoration is green and red balloons, which are complemented with ribbons and garlands. If this color seems too strict, add several gold or silver, blue or purple balls.
Pine, fir and larch can also be used as a holiday tree.
As for the quantity, then about 20-25 balls, hung out on the average, will be enough for an average Christmas tree with a height of 1.8 m. Between them, you can hang bows from gift ribbons or shiny tinsel. If a tree pleases with densely started needles, they often place smaller bows, decorative candles or postcards.
Note that the tone of the main jewelry can be any - both glossy and matte. To liven up the overall look, some are experimenting with needle design: they are coated with shiny varnish. 
Did you know? The Turkish New Year is also held with the obligatory participation of the Christmas tree: this has been the case since the 20s of the last century, when a Muslim country switched to the Gregorian calendar.
Modern Christmas tree
Decorating the green symbol of the New Year's meeting is a great way to show your creative ideas and move away from the classic canons. Of course, this is a matter of taste, but the general trends stand out, among which the most interesting are:
- Eco-style. Characterized by the use of toys and dresses made of natural materials. Decorated with their own hands cones and dried fruit varnished - this is the direction of eco. An important place is given to many loved gingerbread.
- Hand-made (aka "country"). From the name it is clear that there is primacy for home-made ornaments: from paper snowflakes to hand-embroidered garlands. In general, a matter of fantasy and skill. However, it is better to think over the concept and assortment of toys in advance, otherwise the tree risks losing its appearance, turning into a kind of exhibition of handmade skills.
- A motley rainbow pattern. Multicolored balls are placed in the order of the spectrum: from the bottom red, slightly higher - orange, etc. It looks best when the balls are twisted like serpentine or go in single-color horizontal tiers.
- Creative stylefor which there are no restrictions: the branches are decorated, what the soul desires: small children's toys, photos, and indeed, everything that pleases the eye and is sweet to the heart.
- At the other stylistic pole - strict minimalism, involving the participation of cold, winter tones (silver, purple and blue). Toys in this color have little by little, placing silver ribbons or "rain" between them. Another option is the presence of white and silver jewelery.
Important! They work with the most fragile toys in gloves - so there is less risk to get a cut or to move with fingers on the smooth side of a shiny ball.
In a rush of inspiration, it’s still worth remembering that the Christmas tree should also look stylish (but not coarse) - a sharp change of image will require at least a revision of the decorations set aside on the mezzanine or going to the store.
How to decorate an artificial Christmas tree
Many prefer artificial trees. They are durable, easy to assemble, and the showered needles are also not required to be removed from the floor. There are no special nuances in the part of their decoration - the rules are similar to the principles of decorating living trees.
But one feature is still there and it is associated with the color gamut. Toys should emphasize the main color. For example, light green or pale scarlet balls are suitable for a tree with dark coating of branches (as well as decorations in warm colors). 
On sale a lot of artificial fir trees with imitation of snow at the tips of branches. In this case, do not supersaturate the tree with white or silver elements.
How to decorate a white (silver) Christmas tree
These Christmas trees also find their fans. The obvious advantage is the ability to revive any interior - a white or silver wonder itself is considered an ornament.
On this basis, designers advise to hang out toys without much fanaticism, keeping in priority toys in the form of blue, blue or silver balls. It turns out a winter fairy tale in a single room.
Did you know? Venetians began to celebrate New Year on January 1, back in 1522.
Red or golden balls will come to the place. Some go further, posting pink ones (they look most advantageous without the participation of other colors, especially if you match the tint game on the tiers - for example, from the saturated below to the pale closer to the top). 
We decorate the Christmas tree in the yard (on the street)
A Christmas tree growing in the garden, in the courtyard or just on the street near the house can also become a central figure of a festive evening. Decorate such trees a little differently: in addition to beauty, practicality of toys is also important, which should adequately withstand the effects of low temperatures and precipitation, without losing the external gloss.
We recommend that you read about how to choose a spruce for your site.Very handy will fall:
- the largest toys (well, if unbreakable) without fabric upholstery and high-quality color;
- home-made ornaments and garlands;
- pieces of bright fabric, not particularly sensitive to moisture;
- LED garlands.
Did you know? In Spain, there is a tradition to eat 12 grapes in the last minutes of the year.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, various figures are displayed around the tree. 
Christmas tree decoration with ribbons
Properly selected ribbon in the form of "rain" or tinsel transforms the Christmas tree. The color is selected based on style preferences: a monotonous design is suitable for seasoned classics. But the harmonious alternation of colors - this is the prerogative of the brighter compositions.
Important! Ribbons should be placed away from the constantly switched on garlands. Material on the light bulbs is not allowed - it can catch fire.
The best option is the spiral arrangement of ribbons on the branches that is familiar to many. Although an attempt to put them upright can also give a good result. Artificial spruce in the form of a more regular triangle allows hanging such decorations in tiers (in several rings with equal breaks).
By the way, about the design of the ribbons themselves. Too lush tinsel is finally a thing of the past - it was replaced by more subtle products: from two-tone “rains” to whole necklaces inlaid with bows or beads. 
Christmas tree of sweets or fruit
Well, where without delicacies! In fact, cookies and sweets appeared on the fir branches much earlier than other decorations. The current assortment has revived and diversified this tradition: candy wrapped in colored wrappers and round biscuits, mini chocolates with candy bars and round candy.
But apart from the competition, of course, nuts and small fruits. The smallest tangerines or apples can be safely tied on powerful lower branches, closer to the trunk. Do not forget about baking: if there are molds in the form of stars, the moon, or at least a circle plus a little time, you get chic (besides delicious) decorations.
Christmas tree in colors
The idea of using flowers for decorating Christmas trees so far only takes root in our latitudes. This method has a couple of significant drawbacks: the costs and the complexity of the work (especially with fresh flowers). But all this is "interrupted" by a stunning view of decorated tree - just like a fairy tale! 
After reviewing the mass of photos, you will see that the most spectacular arrangement of colors can be called the most impressive:
- lively buds underline multicolored balls and ribbons, which are set on green branches;
- the most chic is a spiral of fresh flowers. Although those who dealt with such constructions, insist that each bud has to be covered with a damp napkin and regularly watched so that they do not dry out;
- blotches in the form of individual flowers of delicate shades;
- the ribbon dotted with artificial red petals looks most advantageous if such a spiral is completed with a large bow at the top;
- Another option - a few emphasized large artificial flowers in combination with carelessly thrown ribbon.
If we talk about the types of flowers, here primacy for roses and lilies. One way or another, living decorations are usually placed on the branches last (so that they do not wither ahead of time).
With artificial easier - the choice of colors is huge. True, it is better to give preference to pink, yellow or blue sets. 
Christmas tree decoration garland
This will be the first stage of work - it all starts with a garland.
In order for the illumination to please the eye, it is necessary to check its serviceability even before placement. Making sure that all the lights flicker, as expected, get down to work.
The play of light will be most impressive if the cord is hung according to the following schemes:
- spiral (visual visual framework for balls and tape);
- it is easier to place it in a circle - toys are placed in a random order;
- vertically. This principle is suitable for connoisseurs of minimalism. Another difference - it is desirable that in this case the colors of the lights were monotonous.
Important! Particular attention should be paid to street lights. So, the wiring should be well insulated and protected from direct moisture.
It seems to be simple, but there are a couple of moments that are sometimes forgotten. First, the garlands are laid out on the branches from top to bottom, carefully hiding the cord. Second: do not get too carried away - between the bands should be a place for toys. It would be good to check the result of the work, moving a little to the side and turning on the illumination.
The lighting should be about the same, with no obvious dark spots. They are eliminated by simply moving the inconveniently laid piece. There are no problems with the choice of a garland - both strict monophonic "lanterns" and multicolored stripes are sold.
Many of these products operate in two modes: stable (all lights are constantly on) and running (they flicker, extinguish and light up alternately). These functions are set by pressing a button on the switch.
Did you know? The modern image of Santa Claus goes back to the Slavic pagan tradition, when people personified various natural elements. Frost even then seemed to be an old man with a beard.
Buying a garland, be sure to evaluate the status of the wiring. Too flimsy wiring is not suitable, as well as its kinks. 
Snow on the tree
Imitation of snow will emphasize the nature of the holiday. Most often, these powders are used to decorate fir paws, a little less often - as a coating applied to toys.
This is the perfect complement to the classic Christmas tree. To make such a composition is within the reach of everyone, in which we will now see:
- the easiest way to gently grease the branches with glue and then sprinkle them with salt or sugar. Also by this method snow toys;
- the stronger mixture is grated toilet soap (white only), crushed on a grater and diluted with starch. All this is poured boiling water, beat for 2 minutes. Seeing the resultant shaving foam mass, apply it on the branches;
- some take equal shares of glue, white paint and semolina - holding up well.
As you already understood, such a “tuning” is more suitable for living trees: artificial ones, having stayed under self-made snow, lose their color, and during storage they can take on whitish spots.
The space under the tree
The final touch is the design of a place for gifts. Any white fabric or caprone will do. Covering the floor, trying to make the folds as natural as possible in appearance: in the twinkling of a garland, it is very similar to snow.
Important! Pure burlap is sometimes used as such material.
Children’s toys, baskets, figures of Santa Claus and other characters are put on it (although it is better to avoid excessive crowding, costing a couple of elegant or memorable objects).
Preventive measures
To dress up a Christmas tree is a whole art, and in order to enjoy its fruits a little longer, you need to keep the tree and its decorations in order. Such prevention is reduced to uncomplicated actions:
- maintaining cleanliness — peeled off needles and dust from toys are removed immediately. This requires a fair amount of care, otherwise you will have to sweep up the fragments;
- ensuring the safety of the tree - a live Christmas tree bought ahead of time, immediately after purchase, is kept on a cold balcony for several hours. After that they enter the room and knock the trunk on the floor - the dried needles disappear;
- if it is not possible to put it on the balcony, then 2 days before the installation, the bottom of the barrel is dipped into a bucket of water (3 tablespoons of glycerin is added there);
- so that the green miracle is not "prey" prematurely, it is placed in a bucket of wet sand (to a depth of 20-25 cm). In the sand itself, 1 liter of water is added, mixed with 1 tablet of aspirin and 2 tbsp. l Sahara. Water this basis every other day, with ordinary water;
- Every day you need to spray the twigs with fresh water;
- periodically inspect the state of the garlands;
- If possible, do not move the tree from place to place.
Did you know? The Japanese celebrate the coming year with 108 bells.
A separate topic - Christmas trees and active pets (in particular, cats). The brilliance and abundance of toys and knock tailed bullies. It is possible to prevent such antics, and there are a lot of ways to protect the spruce:
- choose a powerful stand. Ideally, the tree will be fixed from the side of the wall;
- hide the cord from the garland closer to the trunk;
- wrap the barrel with foil. This trick is more designed for kittens, although adults will quickly lose interest;
- a small copy is covered at night or even put on an unattainable for an animal stand;
- decorations do not fit right away. When they are hung, it is better to clean the cat away or at least not to tease him with shiny objects and ribbons. Noticing that he is trying to grab them with his paw, make a remark or sprinkle the cat lightly with water;
- A more convincing argument is the cones or orange peels placed on the approaches to the trunk and branches: the striped ones do not like them;
- To enhance the effect, the tree can be sprinkled with citrus spray (an essential oil will come off to protect the artificial one);
- to hook toys with iron hooks - no threads and loops. The most fragile products are placed on top.
Important! In no case should water or essential oil be sprayed onto the wiring.
The situation is almost the same with ribbons: they will have to be hidden higher so that the restless pet cannot catch its claws. Now you have an idea how to make the Christmas tree even more beautiful and spectacular.
We hope these tips will come in handy, and the elegant tree will be remembered for its appearance for many years. And may all dreams made under pine feet come true!
