Christmas Tree Toppers: The Star Vs. Angel Debate

When a family sets up the annual Christmas tree for the first time, the Christmas tree topper debate begins. Some families place a lovely angel on the top of the tree, while others use a shining star. Of course, there are also other Christmas tree topper designs, but these two are the most popular. Deciding what type of tree topper to use on your holiday tree is an important decision. This ornament will be the focal point of your Christmas tree, and a family heirloom to be passed down for generations.

Christmas Tree Topper - The Angel

Using an angel for the Christmas tree topper is one of the most popular types. Older Christmas tree angels may be made from wood or metal, or fashioned like dolls from porcelain or fabric. Modern store-bought Christmas tree angels are usually porcelain or a composite face, body, and arms with a plastic hoop skirt support that you slip over the tree giffle. Wings, gown, and trim are made of fancy fabric in white, red, gold, green, or any other color combinations. They often come with Christmas light attachments.

Angels are used for Christmas tree toppers to represent the angel of God that came down from heaven to bring tidings of Jesus' birth. It is also a general symbol of the Christian god's message, peace, and love. Choosing a Christmas tree topper angel can remind your family that the reason for the season is Jesus' appearance on earth, and God's word and love.

Christmas Tree Topper - The Star

Christmas stars for the top of your tree come in a wide variety of styles and colors. Some are plastic, some metal. Some have Christmas lights and some do not. They are usually propped on the top branch of the Christmas tree with a spiral cone of metal or a large clip of some sort.

Stars are used as Christmas tree toppers because they represent the star in the East which is said to have hung over the manger in which Jesus was born. This is the light in the sky that the Wise Men journeyed toward to find the new king. This may also be symbolic of the pagan celebration of Yule, which celebrates the return of the sun, our brightest star, toward the Northern Hemisphere.