Meaning of the Star on Top of Christmas Trees

There are many customs and traditions surrounding Christmas. One tradition is to have a decorated Christmas tree in houses. It might be a live fir, spruce, pine, or cypress. Some people use artificial trees that they keep from year to year.

People have favorite ways they like to decorate their tree. Some use tinsel, garlands, ornaments, and lights. However, the tree is not finished until something is put on the top.

Star Tree Topper

The two most common Christmas tree toppers are the star and the angel. In the Christian faith, the star symbolizes the star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas star because the Wise Men (also known as the Magi) were led to Bethlehem by a star. They followed it to find where Jesus was.

Behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the East, and are come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)

The Magi followed the star all the way to Bethlehem. It stopped above the location where Jesus was born, so they knew they were in the right place.

The star on top of the Christmas tree comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. People really don't mind as long as it is a star to express what means a lot to the household.

Usually, the star is the last thing that is put on the tree after the tree has been decorated. In the picture above, the little boy must have been impatient and put the star on the tree before it was decorated.

Angel Tree Topper

Some people prefer to put an angel on top of their Christmas tree. The angel represents the host of angels who announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds who were in the fields watching their flock.

People who put up more than one tree use the star on one and an angel on top of another tree.

A Figure of Baby Jesus

A long time ago, a figure of Baby Jesus was put on the top of the tree. Over time, people began to use a star that Magi saw, or an angel who told the shepherds about Jesus.

A Star, Angel, or Something Else?

A star is put on the top of the tree more often than anything else because of personal preferences. It is a tradition that someone is nominated to put the star on top. Usually, little children are honored to be lifted to put the star in its proper place, as seen in the photo above.

What do you put on the top of your Christmas tree?

• 68% star
• 20% angel
• 8% something else
• 4% nothing at all

What's Under the Tree?

The tree toppers are put on top of the tree as symbols of the past when Jesus was born. What is placed under the tree are gifts for family members and friends, representing their love and devotion for one another.

If there are small children in the house, there are toys left by Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Early on Christmas morning, all gather around the tree to exchange and open gifts.

Some people don't mind staying in their nightclothes to open their gifts. Sometimes, others wait until they are dressed in their ugly Christmas sweaters or other comfortable clothes.

Other Christmas Articles

Christmas Traditions Over the Years

Some Christmas Cards Do Not Tell the Real Story of Jesus' Birth

The Golden Rule of Gift Giving