For the first twelve Christmases of my life, we had an angel looking down over us from atop the Christmas tree, just like most people. That is, until one year when my father brought home a tree that was a bit too tall for our traditional angel topper. After struggling for hours to make the tree stand straight—despite its best efforts to defy him—he grew frustrated. In his haste to finish decorating, and uninterested in cutting the tree down to a more convenient size, he grabbed a small knitted winter cap and plopped it on top of the tree.
For several years following that momentary frustration, we topped our tree with that tiny knit cap—until the year my mother decided she wanted a more traditional look for the tree.
Tree Toppers: A Symbol of Tradition and Personal Expression
Does it really matter what goes on top of the tree? Christmas tree decorations are a universal tradition with a long and disputed history. Most people credit the first modern Christmas tree decorations to the Christmas tree at Windsor Castle. However, others argue that the tradition started in Germany when devout Christians first brought trees into their homes for decorative purposes.
Christmas trees were originally adorned with fruits, sweets, candles, and even popcorn long before anyone decided that a tree wasn’t complete without something crowning the top. Stars were common early on, as they were easy to make and symbolized the Christmas star. Later, angels were introduced to represent the angel who visited the shepherds when Christ was born.
In the quest for originality, the tree topper has become a focal point of Christmas tree distinction. Special ornaments were created, color schemes became more artistic, and eventually, unusual shapes and characters emerged as the latest trend in tree toppers.
The search for unique and original tree toppers continues today. Artists are commissioned to create intricate, stunning toppers that can represent everything from religious symbols to more whimsical designs. The tree topper claims ownership of the entire Christmas tree, giving it personality. This may seem like an overstatement, considering that the average Christmas tree is displayed for only two to three weeks each year.
Despite the variety of ornaments, it’s the tree topper that often stands out. Regardless of how original or extravagant the decorations and lights are, the eyes are naturally drawn to the top of the tree, even if the rest of the tree is equally magnificent.
Tree toppers have become symbolic of our reverence for the holiday. Religious families tend to choose a topper that reflects their faith, while those who celebrate a more secular Christmas might opt for something more ornate but less overtly Christian.
Whether as a faith statement or a symbol of individuality, tree toppers have become a central part of Christmas traditions. Most families will select a tree topper and use the same one for many years, often passing it down as a family heirloom. Some families, though in the minority, replace their tree toppers annually, building impressive collections over time.
So, does it really matter what you place atop your tree? Ultimately, it’s a personal choice. People will notice if you have something particularly unique or crafty. A Christmas tree topper is your way of expressing what the holiday means to you.
