A grand holiday celebration: Christmas trees and other festive family traditions in Grand Rapids

Christmas tree traditions grew in Victorian England

The holiday season is upon us! 

While we're in the midst of the flurry of activity that accompanies it, including the decorating, baking and shopping, it's a treat to take some time out and learn more about the traditions we follow as well as those from other cultures and countries. And, that's exactly what we did last week at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Sistahs at Frederik Meijer Garden

Joined by my beautiful and fun-loving cousins, (together we are "The Sistahs"), we spent the afternoon at the Meijer Gardens' "Christmas and Holiday Traditions" exhibit to not only be inspired, but walk away with greater appreciation for the history of our Christmas customs as well as how others celebrate the season. 

Holiday traditions include menorahs for Hanukkah that celebrate the Festival of Lights

There are currently forty-two different displays at Meijer Gardens, comprised mostly of Christmas trees decorated to represent the traditions of several countries. But, there are also exhibits dedicated to Hanukkah, Diwali, and Kwanzaa. 

India's Diwali celebrations include designs made of sand

Many of the trees tell the origin stories of how different countries celebrate Christmas. Germany was the first country to produce glass ornaments in the mid-19th century, soaring in popularity beyond its borders when an illustration of Queen Victoria's tree, decorated with those festive adornments from her husband's home country, was published in a London newspaper.

U.S. trees after WW II featured mass-produced glass ornaments.

Prior to World War II, most of the hand-made glass ornaments on U.S. trees came from Germany. But post-war, several American manufactures began to mass-produce reproductions of these glass balls adding a variety of colors and recessed medallions.  This tree reminded me of the ones we had in our home when I was little, and, along with my three older brothers, it represented not only the excitement of the holidays, but the anticipation the gift-wrapped toys that would soon be underneath its branches. 

Swedish ornaments made from straw

Finnish trees with carved wood decor 

Unlike the glittery baubles from Germany, Sweden and Finland's first tree ornaments were made of natural materials, the former created from straw and the latter, strips of wood, glued together to form intricate patterns and shapes.

Another country that created decorations from straw, called "sodai", is Lithuania. Sodai translates to "garden", but also "chandelier".  Hanging a straw mobile over the dining room table was meant to ensure good crops for the following year. 

Lithuanian trees also have straw ornaments.

The Austrian tree was special for a few reasons. It honors the many great musicians from the country (e.g., Mozart and Schubert) as well as the little white chapel where "Silent Night" was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818.  It also meant a lot on a personal level. Back in 2021, Chris, and I were in Austria with my brother and sister-in-law, as well as one of my "Sistahs" and her husband. 

Austrian tree a tribute to great composers. We visited Austria with family in 2021. 

As our self-guided tour continued, we learned at the Netherlands exhibit that the Christmas tree is central to the Dutch family tradition, which includes telling stories and singing Christmas carols. This particular tree was decorated with Delftware, a blue and white porcelain developed in Holland in the mid-16th century.

Holland tree with Delftware.

France display features "santons".

Not all countries, however, were represented with a tree. The holiday display for France featured "santons" or "little saints". These small figurines, which started back in the early 1800's, were made to represent villagers from the countryside who brought gifts to the manger. 

Beautiful Iceland tree - but watch out for the Yultide Lads.

Aside from decorated trees, a common theme in many of the countries' Christmas traditions was the depositing of treats in children's shoes. In Iceland, the mischievous sons of trolls, "Yuletide Lads", leave gifts in tiny tot's footwear.  (If one misbehaved, one might find a potato in one's shoe.)

The Sistahs enaging in their own holiday traditions, including festive feasts.

After our afternoon at the Frederik Meijer Gardens, it was time to engage in our own Sistahs' Holiday Traditions. We enjoyed a few festive feasts together topped off with our annual gift exchange. It was filled with the magic of the season. And, I'm happy to report, the only potatoes we received were delicious and on our plates.  

 

No potatoes in these bags!