🌞 The True Origins of the Christmas Tree

Daily Upsider - Monday, December 25th, 2023

Author

James Linder
December 25, 2023

Monday, December 25th, 2023

Merry Christmas!!! 🌞 🎅 

Do you know what the origin of the Christmas Tree is?

I have heard a lot of different versions, but I recently found a video that goes into the actual historical records to find out where and when the first Christmas trees came from. Check it out down below.

Today’s Upside

Culture

The True Origins of the Christmas Tree

Is the Christmas tree a leftover of some pagan practice? Does the tree have a connection to the Roman festival of Saturnalia? Or is it from the Norse Yule festival?

These are often said in casual conversation, but the evidence points to a much more recent origin. (if you think of the 1500’s as recent, that is)

We can never know for 100% certain what the origin of the Christmas tree is. There might even be a few traditions that came together and created what we now know. But there are some things it wasn’t, that might surprise you.

Many of the ideas we have about the origin of the Christmas tree were unfounded claims made by Johannes Marbach, a German socialist writer from the 1850’s, who wanted to make a connection from modern Germany all the way back to their ancient ancestors.

ReligionForBreakfast is a channel dedicated to exploring the worlds different religions and practices. He takes a deep dive into history to find answers about the Christmas tree.

If you want to learn the fascinating details, watch the video, you will not be disappointed.

Sports

Shockingly Similar to Tiger Woods

The recent PNC Championship saw a heartwarming display of talent and family bonding as golf legend Tiger Woods and his 14-year-old son Charlie took to the course together. The tournament, which pairs golf champions with their family members, showcased the incredible resemblance between the two, both in their physical appearance and their impressive golf skills.

As usual, the fans couldn't help but notice the uncanny similarities between Tiger and Charlie, from their swings and mannerisms to their overall playing styles. The father-son duo shared a unique connection on the course, and it was clear that Charlie has inherited his father's talent and passion for the sport.

This isn't the first time that fans have been captivated by the resemblance between Tiger and Charlie. Which was first noticed in a video from 2021.

The Woods’ came in at 5th place, which was six shots behind champions Bernhard Langer and his 23-year-old son Jason.

World News

Guinness World Record Drone Show!

Sky Elements attempted two GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles with their 1,500 drone Nutcracker Christmas show this season. The goal was to set new records for the Largest Aerial Image and Largest Fictional Character (Nutcracker) while narrating the story of the Nutcracker ballet. The display includes visuals of a Christmas tree, lights, and depicts the Nutcracker's battle with the Rat King, along with appearances by the Sugar Plum Fairy and Santa Claus.

Watch the Christmas spectacle here!

Entertainment

Mariah Carey's Gift That Keeps on Giving

(Photo by Brent N. Clarke/Invision/AP, File)

Mariah Carey's Christmas classic "All I Want for Christmas Is You" reclaimed the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week of Dec. 23, 2023, surpassing Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." The song, which has been on the Hot 100 for 63 weeks, is the first to achieve five separate runs at No. 1 on the chart.

Originally released in 1994— it first topped the charts in 2019 for three weeks, followed by two weeks in 2020, three weeks in 2021, and four weeks in 2022. The enduring popularity of "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has solidified its status as a holiday classic and an achievement in Carey's career.

The song's success aligns with Carey's recent conclusion of her "Merry Christmas One and All!" tour at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 17, 2023. The official music video for the song, uploaded on YouTube on Nov. 24, 2009, has garnered over 774 million views.

As we approach the start of 2024, the "new year resolutions" trend is popular again.

While it serves as a good foundation for setting goals for the upcoming year, there is often pressure from the goals others are setting and achieving. It's important to remember that we each have our own pace of success.

To overcome the overwhelm of goal-setting, start with planning out the next week and consider these tips:

  1. Identify Your Goal: Choose a realistic goal for the week.

  2. Make a Plan: Outline detailed steps to achieve your goal.

  3. Set a Deadline: Keep it achievable and relevant

  4. Accountability Factor: Share your goal by replying to this email or sharing your plans with people who are closest to you with the same mind set and goals!

Ready to take on the challenge?

Mind Stretchers

🎄 

In winter's embrace, I dance in the night, A frosty enchantment, a shimmering light. I'm born from the cold, in a season so bright, A crystalline secret, a glimmering sight.

I blanket the ground in a cloak so divine, A delicate lace where the moonbeams align. No two are the same, in their icy design, What am I, in this festive sign?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
A map 🗺️ 

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]

From the Community

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