Holiday Ornaments History and Traditions

As the holiday season approaches, many families are decorating their homes with ornaments that hold special meaning. A Brief History: Holiday ornaments have been a tradition for centuries, with roots in Germany where the first decorated Christmas trees appeared in the 16th century. Originally, trees were adorned with fruits, nuts, and candles. Modern Traditions: Today, ornaments come in countless varieties: • Handmade family heirlooms • Glass-blown decorations • Photo ornaments capturing memories • Cultural and religious symbols Community Traditions: Westchester has its own holiday traditions, including the annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday celebrations at Village Hall. We encourage families to share their holiday traditions and create new memories together this season. Happy Holidays from the Village of Westchester!