Lights and Greenery

A further tradition from pagan times is of bringing evergreen plant into the house as decorations for Xmas. Also as the festival celebrated the return of the sun, lights and candles are are feature of the decorations.
Traditionally holly and mistletoe were used.



Holly


 There is a tradition that a lady must give a kiss when asked beneath mistletoe. This tradition is particularly popular with young men who ensure that bunches are placed above doorways.




Mistletoe

But the main symbol in which evergreens and lights blend is the Christmas tree. Large ones are in every town centre bedecked with lights and every home will have at least one usually decorated with lights, tinsel, and shiny glass baubles. Artificial trees are useful for people lik me who are allergic to the scent of pine or spruce and we have one in silver tinsel. I could not get any holly this year; seasonal foliage is gradually declining in favour of forced plants and flowers from the horticultural industry.
Our living room is now at its best with fairy lights, the Xmas tree, flowers and present waiting to be opened on Xmas day.