Almost every family has its own special Christmas tradition. Some of these traditions come from the earliest of times and have become modernized to what they are today.

Christmas trees, believe it or not, aren't but a little more than 100 years old. The first lighted trees originated in Germany and traveled throughout Europe as a Christmastime amusement for children.

Greenery of other kinds are also connected with Christmas. The early Church forbade display of greenery as they thought it was an act of paganism. Greenery is the symbol of unending life, and after a time the Church accepted it. Traditionally, holly is masculine and ivy is feminine. The practice of kissing beneath the mistletoe is purely an English custom. It was not readily initiated into other countries as a tradition.

In some European countries it is a custom to place a lighted candle in each window of the house. This is so the Christ Child will be guided to that home.

Probably the most recognized custom is the sending out of Christmas cards to friends and relatives. Originally, the cards were called Christmas pieces and were made by schoolboys.

Little children in the United States wait for the arrival of Santa Claus. In European countries the children wait for the arrival of Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, or the Three Kings.

Christmas carols, as we know them, are often sung by groups of people. When they first started the tradition, they were sung while dancing.

This Christmas when you are putting up your decorations, keep in mind your ancestors doing the same thing 100 years ago.