Christmas is a favorite holiday in Europe, when some people enjoy the time spent with family and friends, others - giving and receiving gifts, but mainly it’s the time when families gather to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. The season is a magical time, filled with traditions, and one of these is decorating the Christmas tree and the home. There are plenty of options when it comes to decorations, but some of the best are fine blown glass Christmas ornaments for your Christmas tree.
Holiday Traditions                   

In the lead-up to Christmas, special holiday markets appear throughout Europe. These get you into the holiday spirit and give you a feeling of old-world charm. Wooden stalls display an array of hand-carved wooden ornaments and nativity scenes, glass Christmas ornaments, wreaths, aromatic candles, and gifts. There are smells of roasting chestnuts, mulled wine, and hot cocoa. Fairy lights twinkle, and sometimes there is Santa Claus for the children to visit.

Early December is the time to decorate your home for the season. Decorations don't only give you a feel-good factor, but they tell a story. The color scheme you choose, the type of ornaments, and the amount of decorations you have all give an insight into your personality. Glass ornaments, for example, exude elegance and tradition so maybe you are sophisticated.

In Europe, children receive their gifts on different days. In Germany, for example, the ‘Nikolaus’ or Saint Nicholas brings gifts on December 6th. In Eastern Europe, presents are given on Christmas Eve. In Poland, it is Father Christmas who brings gifts, while in the Czech Republic, it is Jesus Christ. In the UK, Father Christmas leaves presents on Christmas Eve to be opened on Christmas Day. In Greece, St Basil brings gifts during the night of New Year's Eve to be opened on the morning of the New Year. In Spain, children receive their presents on January 6th, the day the Three Kings delivered their gifts to the baby Jesus.

Another important Christmas tradition is the celebratory meal on Christmas Eve, yet different European countries have differing customs when it comes to the specifics of this meal. In Poland, for example, they have a 12-course meal on Christmas Eve. In Italy, fish dishes are the traditional meal on Christmas Eve. In other countries, such as the UK, the celebratory meal is held on Christmas Day.

The History of Blown Glass Christmas Ornaments                               
16th - 17th Centuries

In the 16th century, the Germans decorated trees outside with fruit and nuts in the lead-up to Christmas. However, in 1605, a fir tree was first brought indoors and decorated with such things as paper roses and candles. This custom spread quickly throughout Germany and then around the world, making Christmas trees one of the most international traditions, which is not really tied to the religious meaning of Christmas.

Around this time, glass Christmas ornaments were first produced in the small town of Lauscha, well-known for glass-blowing. Initially, the designs were simple, such as fruit and nuts.

The 19th Century

Glass ornaments came into their own when a German glass artisan, Hans Greiner, started to create intricately designed and hollow glass baubles in the 1840s. The first ones were coated inside with toxic mercury or lead, which gave a beautiful and reflective shine but were dangerous to health. Later, for the same effect, the insides of the baubles were silvered with a mix of silver nitrate and sugar water.

Up to this point, the Christmas tree was only a German tradition, but Queen Victoria of Great Britain popularized it, and the tradition later spread it throughout Europe and globally. In 1846, an illustration of Queen Victoria and her family admiring a Christmas tree was published, immediately making it popular with the British public.

Late 19th - 21st Centuries

In the late 19th century, the retailer, F. W. Woolworth from the United States, started to import German glass ornaments, making them popular outside Europe.

However, the Industrial Revolution brought mass production of many products, and this affected the creation of

Christmas ornaments. They were now made in bulk out of tin, paper, and, in particular, plastic. Tinsel was invented in Germany, first made out of silver and later out of tin.

However, after many years of cheap plastic ornaments, people have started to appreciate the hand-made quality of days gone by. Plastic is being replaced with blown glass ornaments, which, although more expensive, are elegant and add a touch of sophistication to a room. Italy is well-known for producing blown glass, and Murano glass ornaments have become popular. Hand-made Christmas decorations are appreciated because they have been created by artisans who love their work and will spend hours making a bauble for your Christmas tree, one which you can pass down to your children.

What is Special About Glass Christmas Ornaments?

When you place your first handmade glass ornament on your tree, you will realise what you have been missing with plastic baubles. Each one that you buy has a history. It has been lovingly created, often using techniques going back centuries, and by skilled glassblowers. Because these decorations are unique, they can become treasured keepsakes, representing important moments in your life. You can even buy them to celebrate significant events, like your baby's first Christmas.

Glass decorations have a beauty that is timeless. Many created a century ago will still be relevant today, and ones made now will stand the test of time.

These decorations are also versatile. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you should be able to find ones that suit your decor and style. This lets you create a personalized Christmas tree, one that reflects your tastes and style preferences.

While they seem delicate, glass ornaments can be used year after year, and, if looked after properly, they can become fine family keepsakes. Each bauble can hold a lifetime of history.

Glass has a translucent nature, allowing light to pass through. When translated into a Christmas decoration, it creates a captivating mix of shadow and light on your tree, something that can't be achieved with plastic baubles. It is a tiny work of art, showcasing the holiday season and adding sophistication to your festive decor. Glass is also reflective and makes your Christmas tree sparkle.

Popular Types of Blown Glass Ornaments

Blown glass Christmas ornaments, including those created on the island of Murano, are made in different shapes and sizes to suit your decor, style, and the impression you want to make.

The most common ornaments are globes or balls. They are classic, and many have intricate designs representing the holiday season. Their many different sizes allow you to put them on either small or large trees.

Figural ornaments are also popular. Among others, they could be angels, Santa Claus, or snowmen. They often come in bright colors so they stand out, adding a light-hearted vibe to your Christmas tree. They are especially popular with children who often love to hear stories built around the characters.

Icicles are long, thin decorations resembling real icicles. They add a shimmering touch to your tree while depicting a winter scene.

Teardrops are, as the name suggests, teardrop-shaped. They are elegant and refined, often with detailed designs. Because of their shape, they reflect light beautifully.

Snowflakes are popular glass ornaments that look like the real thing but magnified. They have intricate and symmetrical designs and add a hint of winter fascination to your Christmas tree. Mix them with icicles for a seasonal wonderland.

Place a glass star on your Christmas tree to represent the Star of Bethlehem. Stars are often placed at the top of the tree, depicting the true meaning of Christmas, that is, the birth of Christ.

Dangle ornaments hang from a central point with elements that sway, adding a fun aspect to your tree. Other types of blown glass Christmas ornaments include candy canes and bells.

Glass ornaments are rooted in the past, but are more than relevant today. They are elegant, sophisticated, and have the ability to evoke a nostalgic feeling of Christmases past. Although originating in Germany, they are now produced all over the world, including Murano. Italian blown glass ornaments are particularly special with their bright colors, variety of shapes and sizes, and the skill of highly trained artisans.