In days past the Christmas tree was hung with every type of decoration someone thought would look good. There were crocheted pieces, paper chains, icicles, and glass bulbs. They came in so many different colors the tree would look like a rainbow. Then people started getting more select in their choices. Styles were changing. The traditional Christmas tree became a work of art. New glass ornaments became available. This started taking on a new look. People could choose from hand painted designs, specialized ornaments, and personalized ones. The range of colors grew as well. Now the tree could be color coordinated with the decor of the house. The evolution of the glass bulb has grown even further today.

Glass Christmas ornaments grouped into themes. There are stained glass ones, etched ones, and so many more. You can walk into any store and find Currier and Ives or Thomas McCain on the more traditional globes. There are fantasy creatures like fairies and dragons for the younger crowd. Specialty ornaments are available which represent lines of work like teachers, firefighters, and police men. Hobby enthusiasts can find ornaments which reflect their favorite pastime from fishing to photography. Some of the most exquisite ones are from overseas. These unique bulbs are usually hand blown glass. They come in all different shapes and sizes. There are animals, snowflakes, and teardrops. Some are more traditional with hand painted detailing. They are spectacular to behold.

Tradition is strong when it comes to decorating the tree. Some people choose an ornament each year to commemorate the year. There are glass Christmas ornaments designed for this group. The ornaments can be custom ordered with names and dates. Some craftsmen will hand paint the ornament with specific instructions. Wedding and anniversary ornaments are gaining popularity as well. The etched glass ornaments are popular for this tradition.

Fun and whimsical ones are a pleasure to look at. These can range from a pretzel twist to cartoon characters. There are so many to choose from it is sometimes hard to decide. Many people can not and just choose what ever strikes their fancy. These are the people who’s trees can tell a story. Everywhere on the tree will be something that tells about the family who decorated it.

Glass Christmas ornaments are extremely fragile. Special care must be given each year to preserve the collection of color and tradition. There are specially designed storage boxes for keeping the keepsakes safe during storage or transport. It would be wise to invest in some of these storage boxes if the collection is large.

As each year passes, the collection of them grows. There are new ones available all the time. There are times when someone will stumble upon a forgotten box in the attic. The contents can be amazing. The old time craftsmanship used to create some of the traditional globes has been forgotten. The care and precision of the painting is a true work of art. These are the globes which should be given a place of honor on the tree. These are the glass Christmas decorations which delighted the eyes of children in the family from generations ago. The beauty should never be forgotten.