The tree topper is the final touch to the Christmas tree, only to be placed after all the ornaments and tinsel have been hung. The orginal tree toppers are said to have been candles, but stars and angels very quickly became the popular choice, and remain so today.

Early Christmas trees were decorated simply with fruits, sweets, candles, popcorn or acorns. Then, ornamentation became more sophisticated, crafted into figurines and made with glass. Traditional candles were replaced with strings of light, and the tradition of tree toppers was established. While the star was the most popular tree topper at first, now, a wide variety can be found, from stars and angels to snowflakes and Santa. Understanding the meaning behind the different tree toppers may help to determine which one is best for the top of each unique Christmas tree.

The Bethlehem star symbolizes the nativity story and the birth of Jesus in the town of Bethlehem. This bright star was said to have told the world that a new king was born. The Three Wise Men followed this bright star shining in the East, to give baby Jesus gifts and to worship Him. The Bethlehem star tree topper reminds us of the Christmas story and the message it brought. It can be displayed in any favorite color or style. There are mosaic designs made of materials that look like stained glass, telling the Christmas story just as the stained glass windows in churches might. LED lights are used in modern Bethlehem Star toppers crafted in acrylic to make the star shine its brightest, like the tradition of the star in the East. LED color morphing Bethlehem Stars bring life to the tree, creating a mesmerizing show. No matter which style is chosen, the Bethlehem star reminds us of the glorious message it brought to the world.

A five-pointed star can have different meanings, but remains an endearing symbol for the holidays. The star tree topper can have a literal meaning of the stars that shine in the night over the trees in a forest, or take on a greater symbolism of higher principles, such as hope for a better world filled with peace, or imagination and love. Some creative decorators intentionally make trees to look like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree, with a simple star on top. In one sweet Charlie Brown cartoon, Charlie becomes saddened because he is poor and only has one ornament hanging from a thinly branched tree. Then, his friends come together in unity and love to create a beautiful tree topped with a star. Charlie becomes happy again that everyone can find joy in Christmas, no matter their plight. The moral being that the most important meaning of Christmas is love. For some families, stars can represent all the fun that comes along with Christmas. Commonly in gold or silver, stars are simple in shape but usually ornate with iridescent fabrics, glittered materials and sequins, and may be lit or unlit.

Angel tree toppers, exquisite in their beauty, represent righteousness and miracles. In the Nativity story, angels are messengers, proclaiming baby Jesus as Savior for all. Angels are known in many cultures to be creatures of good and spirits of love, bringing special blessings and protections. Having an angel atop the tree is like having a personal guardian angel watching over the family and home. Angel tree toppers properly represent their divinity by wearing dresses made of georgeous fabrics and wings on their backs. Usually their dresses are white and gold but some wear burgundy, red or green. Angel tree toppers typically have porcelain faces and curly or wavy doll-like hair. Animated angel tree toppers add light and movement to the tree, silently opening or lifting hands, typically holding candles. African-American angels demonstrate love for family and heritage, and are becoming more common and easier to find. Just as dolls are named, angels can be personally named to become precious keepsakes in the family.

Santa tree toppers are representative of the benevolent Santa iconic in American culture. By tradition, Santa is believed to live in the North Pole, accompanied by elves and reindeer, which help with delivering gifts and candy to all the well-behaved children of the world on Christmas Eve. Santa can also represent charity and philanthropy among kind-hearted individuals. Santa tree toppers can be colorful or woodsy, but are also popular in ivory and gold. Santas are portrayed with a long white beard, mustache and elaborate robe. Santas can be whimsical or elegant, holding an abundance of gifts, wreaths or a walking stick. Santas are popular as tree toppers because they represent the excitement and love in gift-giving at Christmas time.

A tree topper allows a family to express the values it admires most, from faith and love to kindheartedness and festivity. Establish a tradition of allowing either the eldest or youngest member of the family to place the tree topper, adding a beautiful finishing touch and personality to the Christmas tree. Once the topper is placed, take a step back, and admire how well the decorations have tied together. Make sure to purchase a quality tree topper as they can used as family heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation. Even if families love to buy new ones each year, a collection of tree toppers make beautiful decorations for table tops or mantles. Cherish your topper as an expression of what the holidays mean to you.

Christmas Tree Toppers