The modern Christmas Tree has been around since the late 16th century. It was introduced to North America by Hessian soldiers in Canada during the Revolutionary War. Until the twentieth century, a live tree was celebrated almost exclusively as a private symbol of spiritual faith and family tradition. Then, as more and more commercial elements of the holiday were introduced, it took on new meanings, and has largely become a centerpiece of the season's decoration landscape, and a spot for gift exchange. Like top hats, a larger and more ornamented (often manmade) tree became a symbol of status and something to talk about...to show off.
Symbols are important. They remind us who we are and what we stand for. But, they also demonstrate our ability to engage in the game of status. Each one is an opportunity to better define our culture...and perhaps a chance to make our culture better. Inward and outward, they mean something.
People like us do things like this...choose wisely.