American Christmas decorations have a long and complicated history. On the one hand, they began in private homes, bringing comfort to German immigrants familiar with the tradition and other Americans who found joy, peace, and hope through them. They were also designed to garner attention, whether from immigrant communities looking for a way to connect to their heritage or wealthy urbanites wanting to impress with the latest and greatest lights technology had to offer.
When settlers first came to amerikanische Weihnachtsdeko, they had a hard time getting used to celebrating the winter solstice. In fact, many of the early colonies banned any frivolity at that time. The Puritans who founded much of New England the eastern USA especially were very hostile to any holiday festivities. In 1659, a court in Massachusetts actually made it illegal to do anything but attend church on December 25th!
But over time, the holiday became more and more accepted. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, more families had trees in their homes. And by 1923, President Calvin Coolidge pushed the button to light the first national Christmas tree—a 48-foot balsam fir covered with 2,500 electric bulbs.
In the early 20th century, Americans decorated their trees with homemade ornaments like apples, popcorn, and cranberries. Then they started using colored lights and tinsel. In the 1930s, construction workers at Rockefeller Center pooled their money to buy a giant lighted tree that has become famous around the world. And in 1934, the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes debuted. Today, Christmas lights are commonplace in towns and cities, and people often leave a glass of milk and some cookies for Santa under the tree.
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