Choosing the Right Christmas Tree Topper

There is no Christmas ornament more eye-catching than a Christmas tree topper. Simply, a tree topper is a decoration that goes on the top of the tree, the crowning touch to a beautifully decorated holiday masterpiece!

Christmas trees are traditionally topped with stars, and its origin is as religious as the reason for Christmas itself. A star on top of Christmas tree represents the Star of Bethlehem, the star that the Three Magi used to find where the baby Jesus was born. In the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew 2:2 states, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

The angel is also a popular choice for a Christmas tree topper, also with roots in religion. These toppers symbolize the angels that announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds tending the fields. The Gospel of Luke 2:8-20 narrates the appearance of a host of angels to the shepherds, announcing that the Messiah had been born.

Presently, families decorate their Christmas trees not always with religious themes in mind; sometimes, they are decorated in designs that are personal to the family. There are a host of Christmas tree toppers that can go with whatever design theme you prefer.

Here are a few guidelines that will help you choose the perfect tree topper:

Will it fit? Before buying any topper, make sure your ceiling has enough clearance for it. Measure the space between your tree and the ceiling, and clear a foot or more for a topper that is less than a foot tall. This will ensure that your topper will have space on top, without looking awkward and constricted.

Will it stay on? Be wary of Christmas tree toppers that are heavy, as they are going on the flimsiest part of your tree. If it feels too heavy, it may not sit secure on top of the tree, and you will have a security risk! Toppers are now available in a host of materials, so choose lighter ones just to be safe.

Is it appropriate? Your family may have a Christmas tree topper that has been used for generations, but you’re going with a lighter, modern tree design theme this year. An Old World style topper may not be the most fitting touch to your tree if you used all modern ornaments. It may be a good idea to keep it in storage for a year, or lend it to another family member to use on their tree instead. However, if the tree topper is an integral part of your Christmas celebration, you may want to keep your design theme as complementary to the topper as possible, just to keep tradition alive.

How much will it cost? Christmas tree toppers come in a variety of prices, depending on the style, materials and time period of the item, as it goes with most Christmas decorations. Be prepared to spend as little as $10 or go as much as hundreds of dollars for antique items. That said, before spending your hard-earned money, consider how long you intend to use it (just for a season or have it be an heirloom decoration) and the three questions previously posed.

The perfect Christmas tree topper will be different for everyone, as it goes without saying that your choice depends upon your style and budget. Choose according to these guidelines and have the most beautiful finishing touch to your Christmas tree.