10 Christmas decorations that Goa shares with the rest of the World

With Christmas just around the corner, there is hustle and bustle everywhere as people are busy with all manner of festive preparations. At Christmas time, people like to decorate their houses, make sweets, visit festive spots, perform charitable acts, and generally have a wonderful time with family sipping on hot chocolate and munching cookies.

The most important part of Christmas decor, apart from the crib is the Christmas Tree. Who doesn't love to decorate the Christmas tree? it’s an absolutely fun thing to do! Have you ever wondered what is the meaning of the ornaments that we place on the Christmas tree, and the Christmas tree itself.

Let's check out what these ornaments symbolize!

1. Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree is viewed as the symbol of the birth and death of Jesus. The branches of the tree and the shrubs symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Christ.

2. Angel/Star Topper

An angel or a star topper are placed on top of the Christmas tree. Some people choose to put an angel, whereas some opt for a star. The star symbolizes the star which guided the three wise men to where Jesus lay, and it also represents the hope and brightness that Jesus brought to the world, when he was born. The angel symbolizes the angel who broke the good news to the Virgin Mary, and the angel which told the shepherds the news about the birth of Jesus.

3. Christmas Bells

Christmas bells, which are used on the tree, announce the beginning of the Christmas season and the birth of Jesus.

4. Christmas Stocking

The Christmas stocking is an empty stocking which is hung on the wall or Christmas tree in the belief that St Nicholas (Santa Claus), or a person portraying him, will drop off gifts to children on Christmas eve.

5. Candy Canes/Old Man Stick

The candy canes/Old Man stick actually represents the crook of the humble shepherds', who went to visit the Baby Jesus in the manger, whereas the candy canes were made to symbolize the purity and virgin birth.

6. Mistletoe

The mistletoe represents a life which does not die. There is also another custom wherein if two people are caught standing under a mistletoe, then it is said that they have to kiss.

7. Boughs of Holly

The boughs of holly which are put on the Christmas tree represent eternal love. They also represent the Death of Jesus rather than the Birth, the prickly leaves represent the crown and the berries represent the blood of Christ.

8. Christmas Lights

Christmas lights represent and remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. The lights represent the Star of David which appeared in Bethlehem on the day that Christ was born, and also remind us to follow Christ and His path.

9. The Christmas gift

The Christmas gift symbolizes how God gave His only Son as a gift to us and how Jesus Christ gave us the greatest gift of all. It also symbolizes kindness, kove and remembrance of the gift of eternal life given by Christ.

10. Santa Claus

Santa Claus is a symbol of Christmas as he represents the spirit of Christmas and a symbol of giving gifts, joy and happiness to all.