Christmas tree decorations tell the Christmas story

Date published: 01 December 2011

With over 20 million Christmas trees due to be sold in the run up to Christmas, sets of Christmas tree decorations, that help parents and grandparents explain the Christmas story to children, have become a surprise “best seller”.

The decorations, produced by the Meaningful Chocolate Company, have been selling online in their tens of thousands with congregations, bishops and Archbishops ordering them.

The Fairtrade chocolate decorations are sold in a box that includes a limited edition Christmas story card, a nativity sticker set and six chocolate tree decorations.

David Marshall, from the Meaningful Chocolate Company, said: “The Christmas story, which can be found on the card, can be read while placing nativity stickers on the gold decorations. Once completed, they can be hung on the tree as a reminder of the real meaning of Christmas.”

“We have been overwhelmed by the sales. People really want a new way of passing on the Christmas story and this is another way to do it. A recent survey found that only 12% of adults knew the Christmas story well – and just 7% amongst 18-24 year olds. It is hoped that the decorations will go some way to helping parents pass on the story.”

The Bishop of St Albans has welcomed the idea saying: “I am delighted that The Meaningful Chocolate Company has developed this great product which enables the telling of the Christmas story as well as supporting Fairtrade and charitable causes. This is a fun way for people to share that story.”

The Meaningful Christmas Tree Decorations cost £3.95 but there is only a limited number left. Orders can be made through www.MeaningfulChristmas.co.uk  

Christmas Trees The use of evergreen trees to celebrate the winter season began before the birth of Christ. However, in Britain the custom of decorating trees to mark Christmas did not begin until Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's German husband, brought the tradition from his home land to Windsor Castle in the 1840's.

161 years later it’s hard to believe that most of the UK’s 20 million Christmas trees have nothing religious hanging on them.