Tree Toppers are decorations placed on the highest branch of a Christmas tree. They’re like a crown, giving your tree a perfect finishing touch. For hundreds of years, people have used Tree Toppers to make their trees look beautiful and to share holiday cheer. Today, Tree Toppers come in all shapes, like stars, angels, bows, or even fun characters like Santa Claus.
The job of Tree Toppers is to catch everyone’s eye and tie together the tree’s look. Whether your tree is big or small, real or fake, a Tree Topper makes it special. Learning about Tree Toppers helps you pick the best one for your holiday.
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The History of Tree Toppers
Tree Toppers have a long story that goes back to the 1700s in Germany. Back then, people started decorating Christmas trees and wanted something nice for the top. One of the first Tree Toppers was a golden angel made of shiny foil called a “Rauschgoldengel.” It reminded people of the Christmas story about angels.
Later, stars became popular Tree Toppers because they stood for the Star of Bethlehem, which guided people in the Bible story. Over time, Tree Toppers grew to include all kinds of designs, from simple to fancy. Knowing this history makes picking Tree Toppers even more fun!
Why Tree Toppers Matter
You might wonder why Tree Toppers are such a big deal. Here’s why:
- They Finish the Tree: A tree looks empty without a Tree Topper. It’s like a cake without icing!
- They Show Your Style: Tree Toppers can be classic, modern, or silly, letting you share who you are.
- They Spread Joy: A bright Tree Topper makes everyone smile when they see your tree.
- They Bring Meaning: Many Tree Toppers, like stars or angels, remind people of the holiday’s special stories.
Adding a Tree Topper to your tree makes it feel full of holiday spirit.
Types of Tree Toppers
There are so many kinds of Tree Toppers to choose from! Each one has its look and feel. Here are the most popular types of Tree Toppers:
1. Star Tree Toppers
Star Tree Toppers are the most common. They can be simple five-point stars or fancy ones with lights and sparkles. Stars remind people of the bright star in the Christmas story. They’re great for any tree and come in colours like gold, silver, or white.
2. Angel Tree Toppers
Angel Tree Toppers are elegant and peaceful. They often wear pretty robes and have wings. Angels stand for love and hope, making them a lovely choice for a traditional tree. Some even light up for extra magic.
3. Bow Tree Toppers
Bow Tree Toppers are made of ribbon or fabric tied into a big, beautiful bow. They’re perfect if you want a soft, cosy look. You can pick red, green, or glittery bows to match your tree’s colours.
4. Character Tree Toppers
Character Tree Toppers are fun and playful. They might be Santa, a snowman, or even a cartoon character. These are great for kids or if you want a tree that makes people laugh.
5. Snowflake Tree Toppers
Snowflake Tree Toppers, often white or silver and sometimes with lights, bring a wintery feel to your tree. They’re perfect for a tree that looks like a snowy wonderland.
Each type of Tree Topper adds charm, so you can find one that’s just right for you.
Materials Used in Tree Toppers
Tree Toppers are made from all sorts of things, which affects how they look and feel. Here are the primary materials:
- Plastic: Many tree toppers are plastic because they are light and cheap. Plastic stars or snowflakes can be shiny or colourful.
- Glass: Like delicate stars or angels, glass Tree Toppers are fancy and sparkly. They need careful handling.
- Fabric: Bows and some angel Tree Toppers use velvet or satin fabric for a soft look.
- Metal: Metal Tree Toppers, like wire stars, are strong and modern.
- Paper or Cardboard: Some homemade Tree Toppers use paper for a crafty feel.
The material of your Tree Topper changes its style and how long it lasts.
How to Choose the Right Tree Topper
Picking the perfect tree topper can be tricky, as many choices exist. Here’s how to find the best one:
- Match Your Tree’s Style: A gold star or red bow Tree Topper would look good if your tree has red and green decorations. For a modern tree, try a silver snowflake.
- Check the Size: A big Tree Topper looks excellent on a tall tree, but a small one is better for a short tree. Measure your tree to be sure.
- Think About Weight: Heavy Tree Toppers, like glass ones, need a strong tree branch. Light ones, like plastic, work on any tree.
- Pick a Meaning: Choose a Tree Topper that feels special, like an angel for peace or a star for hope.
- Consider Lights: Some Tree Toppers have built-in lights, which make your tree glow even more.
Taking time to choose the right Tree Topper makes your tree look amazing.
How to Put a Tree Topper on Your Tree
Once you’ve picked your Tree Topper, you must put it on safely. Here’s how:
- Find the Top Branch: Look for the strongest branch at the top of your tree.
- Check the Base: Most Tree Toppers have a cone or clip to hold them in place. Make sure it fits your branch.
- Use a Ladder: If your tree is tall, stand on a steady ladder and ask someone to hold it for safety.
- Secure It: Firmly push the Tree Topper onto the branch. If it’s heavy, tie it with string or zip ties to prevent it from falling.
- Plug-in Lights: If your Tree Topper has lights, plug it in and hide the cord behind the tree.
Putting on a Tree Topper is easy with these steps, and it’ll stay in place all season.
Making Your Tree Topper
You don’t always have to buy Tree Toppers—you can make one! Crafting a Tree Topper is fun and lets you be creative. Here’s a simple idea for a star Tree Topper:
- What You Need: Cardboard, scissors, glue, gold or silver paint, glitter, and ribbon.
- Step 1: Cut two-star shapes from cardboard, each about 20 cm wide.
- Step 2: Glue the stars together to make them strong.
- Step 3: Paint the star gold or silver, then sprinkle glitter while the paint is wet.
- Step 4: Glue a ribbon loop to the back so you can hang it on the tree.
- Step 5: Place it on your tree and enjoy your homemade Tree Topper!
Making Tree Toppers is a great way to add a personal touch to your holiday.
Caring for Your Tree Topper
To keep your Tree Toppers looking nice for years, you must take care of them. Here’s how:
- Store Safely: After Christmas, wrap your Tree Topper in tissue paper or bubble wrap and put it in a box.
- Clean Gently: If it’s dusty, wipe plastic or metal Tree Toppers with a soft cloth. For fabric ones, use a brush.
- Check Lights: If your Tree Topper has lights, test them yearly and replace any broken bulbs.
- Handle with Care: Glass Tree Toppers can break, so hold them gently when putting them up or down.
Reasonable care means your Tree Topper will shine every Christmas.
Where to Buy Tree Toppers
You can find Tree Toppers in lots of places. Here are some ideas:
- Shops: Big stores like John Lewis or smaller gift shops sell Tree Toppers during the holiday season.
- Online: Websites like Amazon, Etsy, or Balsam Hill have many Tree Toppers.
- Craft Markets: Local markets often have unique handmade tree toppers.
- Supermarkets: Places like Tesco sometimes have simple Tree Toppers at reasonable prices.
Always check that the Tree Topper is good quality before you buy it.
How Much Do Tree Toppers Cost?
Tree-toppers’ price varies depending on what they’re made of and where you buy them. Here’s a quick guide:
- Plastic or Paper: These Tree Toppers cost £5 to £15 and are great for small budgets.
- Fabric or Metal: Bows or wire Tree Toppers might be £10 to £30.
- Glass or Lighted: Fancy Tree Toppers with lights or glass can cost £20 to £50 or more.
- Handmade: Unique Tree Toppers from artisans might be £30 to £100.
You can find a Tree Topper for any budget if you shop around.
Facts About Tree Toppers
Here are some cool things to know about Tree Toppers:
- Old Tradition: People have used Tree Toppers for over 200 years!
- World Records: Some Tree Toppers are huge, like a 1-metre star on a city’s giant tree.
- DIY Popularity: Many families make their own Tree Toppers as a holiday craft.
- Variety: Tree Toppers are shaped like animals, food, or even hats!
These facts make Tree Toppers even more exciting to explore.
Common Questions About Tree Toppers
People often ask things about Tree Toppers. Here are some answers:
- Can I use the same Tree Topper every year? If you store it well, Tree Toppers last for many Christmases.
- What if my Tree Topper is too heavy? Use string or zip ties to hold it, or pick a lighter one.
- Are lighted Tree Toppers safe? Yes, if you buy from a trusted seller and check the wires.
- Can I put a Tree Topper on a small tree? Just choose a small Tree Topper to fit.
These answers help make Tree Toppers easy to understand.
References
Balsam Hill Guide to Tree Toppers: www.balsamhill.co.uk
History of Christmas Trees: www.history.com
Hobby Lobby Tree Toppers: www.hobbylobby.com
Good Housekeeping Tree Topper Ideas: www.goodhousekeeping.com
Country Living Christmas Decorations: www.countryliving.com