During December, families around the world come together to perform one of the most universal Christmas traditions—decorating the tree. Strings of twinkling lights bathe homes in a festive glow as adults and children alike bask in the warm energy of the holiday season. Different places adorn their trees in different things, echoing the diversity that makes our planet such a beautiful place. Get in the festive spirit with this list revealing the unique decorations embellishing the trees of homes around the world.
10 Brazil - Cotton Balls
Even the biggest snow-hating Scrooges can admit there's something special about a white Christmas. In the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas happens during the summertime, which means only a miracle could blanket the streets in white. For yuletide spirit in the heat of summer, Brazilians often decorate their trees with cotton balls to mimic falling snow. In recent years, the practice has spread to other places that enjoy the earthy look of the natural ornament.
9 France - Apples
People were adorning their Christmas trees in edible ornaments long before the invention of candy canes. In France, apples were a common embellishment for the tree due to their association with the Garden of Eden. A lousy harvest year put an end to the practice, but it's still common to see apple-shaped ornaments hanging from the branches of Christmas trees in France. In the heart of Strasbourg, the largest holiday tree in the country is decorated according to a theme that changes every year.
8 Ukraine - Spiders & Webs
The sight of a spider in a Christmas tree might send some people running in the other direction, but not in Ukraine. An Eastern European folktale called "The Legend of the Christmas Spider" tells the story of a family who could not afford to decorate their tree. They sadly went to sleep on Christmas Eve and woke up the next day to their tree covered in cobwebs that sparkled beautifully in the morning light. The legend gave way to decorating trees in Ukraine with crystal spider ornaments and webs. The creepy crawler is associated with good fortune.
7 Australia - Shell Ornaments
Australia is another place in the world where Christmas falls during the hotter months. Residents lean into the holiday spirit despite the lack of snow. Celebrators embrace the sunshine by decorating their trees with seashell ornaments. Australians often abandon the Christmas tree altogether and trim a Christmas bush instead. The native plant turns a festive shade of red during the summer, making it an ideal piece of decor.
6 China - Red Paper Lanterns
Christmas is not celebrated in China on the same scale as more densely populated Christian areas in the world, but it's not uncommon to see the holiday on display in bigger cities like Beijing and Hong Kong. The trees themselves are called "Trees of Light." Popular decorations are red and typically include beautiful paper lanterns and chains to symbolize happiness.
5 Netherlands - Biscuits
It's common for children to leave out a plate of cookies and glass of milk to appease Santa, but the Dutch do things a little differently. In fact, Saint Nicholas (called Sinterklass) comes by boat from Spain at the beginning of December with gifts to kick off the holiday season. Sheet pans filled with kerstkransjes bake to perfection in the oven. The wreath-shaped cookies are strung and hung from the branches of Christmas trees in the Netherlands.
4 Finland - Straw Ornaments
Those celebrating Christmas in Finland can expect to see a more classic take and muted, minimalist color palette. Traditional straw mobiles called himmeli delicately hang from the branches. Families gather to decorate the tree, and adults commonly indulge in a delicious glass of mulled wine. More elaborately crafted himmelis hang like chandeliers above the table for Christmas dinner.
3 United States - Popcorn Garland
Though not as common as it once was, plenty of Americans pay homage to traditional Christmas decor by garnishing their trees in strings of popcorn garland. Some people opt for pre-stringed recreations that use artificial materials. Others include the hand stringing of actual popcorn into their holiday activities.
2 India - Mango Trees
People would be hard-pressed to find a conifer in India, but the lack of pine doesn't sully Christmas cheer. Instead, Indian people commonly spruce up mango or banana trees. Indians will drape sheets of white wool over the branches to imitate snow. Other decorations are quite colorful and consist of tons of vibrant stars and homemade ornaments.
1 Germany - Pickles and Candles
So many of the world's most well-loved Christmas practices and decorations come from German traditions, including Christmas markets, nutcrackers, and advent calendars. The act of bringing trees inside and decorating them is believed by historians to have originated in Germany.
In the early days, trees were often fitted with real candles, the soft flame creating a magically festive glow. Many Germans continue the tradition rather than using electrical lights, though it's a custom that's probably safest for households without cats. While no one knows the exact origins, hanging a pickle ornament is a custom in Germany that has spread to other areas of the world. Supposedly, the person who finds it first is granted good luck in the new year.