The Christmas-Tree, Decorations, and Gifts

Chapter XI

The Christmas-tree a German Creation —Charm of the German Christmas —Early Christmas-trees —The Christmas Pyramid —Spread of the Tree in Modern Germany and other Countries —Origin of the Christmas-tree —Beliefs about Flowering Trees at Christmas —Evergreens at the Kalends —Non-German Parallels to the Christmas-tree —Christmas Decorations connected with Ancient Kalends Customs —Sacredness of Holly and Mistletoe —Floors strewn with Straw —Christmas and New Year Gifts, their Connection with the Roman Strenae and St. Nicholas —Present-giving in Various Countries —Christmas Cards.