Spreading the joy of the season through the iconic Christmas tree

‘Tis the season for lighting that everlasting Yuletide symbol that is the Christmas tree. Everywhere you go, there’s bound to be one looming as a centerpiece display in every store, every establishment.

Winter celebrations used to be associated with the use of evergreens and greenery that were believed to protect the home from bad spirits, witches, ghosts and diseases.

Although its roots come from pagan traditions, the Christmas tree became a Christian symbol in the 16th century as a representation of the tree in the Garden of Eden. It serves as a reminder that we are all children of God who should love one another.

We all adore Christmas as the most wonderful time of the year. And among the various representations of the season, the Christmas tree, arguably is the most popular and well-loved as it lightens up the season and brings smiles to children.

Decorating the Christmas tree is such a significant occasion for families as it is the time of the year when they all gather together to decorate the tree, They sit around it and put gifts beneath as the centerpiece of their holiday celebration.

Putting lights on a tree harkens back to the concept of the lights symbolizing Jesus as the Light in the Dark. The stars and planets in the sky were represented by the lights and decorations on the tree. Most Christians would even put a manger beneath them to represent Jesus Christ’s advent under the stars.

Nowadays, malls and giant establishments try to outdo one another in putting up Christmas trees in their stores to draw customers who are spending their holidays.

Recognizing it as a significant symbol of the season, SM stores have put up giant Christmas trees in their establishments to uphold the tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Like the rest of Christiandom, SM shares the joy of the season with its customers, hoping to spread the blessings of Yuletide to every Filipino.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANALY LABOR, BOB DUNGO JR., AL PADILLA, JOEY SANCHEZ MENDOZA AND JONAS REYES FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE@tribunephl_ana @tribunephl_bob @tribunephl_al@tribunephl_joey CHILDREN enjoy selfie with Santa Claus during the giant Christmas tree lighting at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. SM Investments vice chairman Henry Sy Jr. and family lead the unveiling of ‘A Golden Christmas at SM Aura’ in BGC, Taguig.

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