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A Christmas Story: Christmas Trees
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The Christmas tree itself is the most obvious aspect of ancient Pagan celebrations which were later incorporated into church rites. Scholars believe that the Christian celebration was originally derived in part from rites held by pre-Christian Germanic and Celtic peoples to celebrate the winter solstice. The Christmas tree, an evergreen trimmed with lights and other decorations, because it keeps its green needles throughout the winter months, was believed by pre-Christian Pagans to have special powers of protection against the forces of nature and evil spirits. The Christmas tree is derived from the so-called paradise tree, symbolizing Eden, of German mystery plays. The use of a Christmas tree began early in the 17th century, in Strasbourg, France, spreading from there through Germany, into northern Europe and Great Britain, and then on to the United States.
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In the digitally-remastered 1965 special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas," Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees everywhere during the Christmas season. Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant, and Charlie Brown accepts, but it proves to be a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little fir Christmas tree fails, Charlie Brown needs Linus' help to learn what the real meaning of Christmas is.
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Not until after the Civil War did Christmas begin to seriously affect American cultural and religious life. European immigration increased sharply after the war, and many of the newcomers came from countries with strong Christmas traditions. Germans, Italians, Poles, Swedes, Norwegians and others brought the holiday and many of its features, including Christmas trees and Santa Claus, to America in a big way.
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After church Sunday, December 16, the group had set out into the nearby hills to cut a Christmas tree, but become disoriented as a storm dumped over a foot of snow in the area. After being unable to search by air for nearly three days due to cloud cover, a helicopter pilot discovered the four in a ravine over a mile away from where they had left their vehicle along the roadway.
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MOSUL--Chaplain Capt. Steve Dunn has received literally hundreds of Christmas trees this year from people wanting to make sure the soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment have a festive holiday. There have been trees of all sizes, artificial and real. And he has passed on every tree to a soldier.
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Christmas Trees