The Magic of Christmas—A Family Tradition
The Magic of Christmas—A Family Tradition
There’s something almost ethereal about the first weekend of December. As the air turns crisp and daylight dwindles, families across the country begin their annual pilgrimage to find the perfect Christmas tree. For my family, it starts in West Cornwall. Each year, we make the journey north to spend time with my aunt. It’s a cherished weekend, wrapped up in our scarves and gloves, sipping hot chocolate, as we wander through a Christmas tree forest searching for that one tree that feels like it’s been waiting just for us.
The anticipation builds as we weave between pines and firs, taking our time, laughing at each other’s suggestions, until someone points out *the* tree. That’s when a young man—working his seasonal job—arrives with his quad bike, saw in hand, to carefully cut down our selection and transport it back to the car. Tying the tree onto the roof, we make the drive home, giddy with excitement, knowing the tree will soon be transformed into something magical.
Unboxing the decorations is a tradition in itself. It’s as if we’re opening a time capsule, rediscovering ornaments that have adorned our family trees for generations. Some date back to the 1980s and 1990s; others are heirlooms, once hanging on the trees of my grandparents and great-grandparents. These ornaments, rich in memory and sentiment, mingle with our collection from The London Christmas Company—each piece handmade with a dedication to artistry and tradition, and finished in glistening 24-carat gold.
It’s these moments that bring the magic of Christmas alive. In a time when so many families live far apart or have commitments that make it difficult to gather, Christmas stands as a beacon of togetherness. We often romanticise the past, believing there was a golden age when families gathered every Sunday. While that may not be the reality for many today, Christmas remains a time when loved ones travel from across the world, making plane journeys, train journeys, and long car rides—an annual pilgrimage to be with those who matter most.
At the centre of it all is the Christmas tree, a symbol of homecoming. Whether families decorate together, or loved ones arrive to find a beautifully adorned tree awaiting them, it’s more than just a seasonal ornament. It’s the anchor around which families exchange gifts, share stories, and make memories that last a lifetime.
The tradition of decorating Christmas trees can be traced back to Germany in the Middle Ages. Known as "paradise trees," these early evergreens were hung with apples to represent the Garden of Eden. The tradition slowly spread across Europe, eventually reaching England in the 19th century. Prince Albert, husband to Queen Victoria, popularised it by introducing a decorated tree at Windsor Castle in 1848, making the Christmas tree an integral part of British holiday celebrations
Today, whether it’s a star, an angel, or even a crown sitting atop the tree, each family’s tree tells its own story. Some follow a cohesive theme, while others are an eclectic mix of quirky gifts, travel mementos, and heirloom pieces. No matter how it’s adorned, the tree becomes a living scrapbook of memories, and it’s why we at The London Christmas Company strive to create ornaments that resonate deeply, capturing the essence of cherished family traditions.
After the tree is lit, there’s something magical about sitting around the room, the lights twinkling gently against the ornaments, and the room filled with the warm scent of pine. In these quiet moments—whether you’re watching the King’s speech, playing charades, or simply sharing stories—the Christmas tree stands as a testament to togetherness, embodying the spirit of home.
This is the magic that inspired me to found The London Christmas Company. Each ornament is designed not just to beautify a tree but to become a part of a family’s story. For families like mine, and many others around the world, these ornaments add a touch of elegance and timelessness, becoming a piece of the annual ritual that lives on, year after year.
As you sit around your own tree this Christmas, reflect on the beauty and history of those ornaments that catch the light, the way they glisten and glow, bringing a piece of magic into your home. And as you look to build on your own traditions, consider adding something special from The London Christmas Company's collection. With Christmas trees serving as a living scrapbook of memories, gifting a beautiful ornament can be the perfect way to say ‘I’m thinking of you’ to someone who already seems to have everything. An ornament is not just a gift—it’s a piece of the magic of Christmas, a reminder of the thoughtfulness behind the gesture, and a cherished memory that will be brought out and admired, year after year.
And what more magical gift could there be at this time of year?
