The Evolution of Christmas Ornaments: From Apples to Glass Balls The Christmas ornament may be a simple gesture of the holiday cheer, but its history is obscure. Originating around 16th-century Germany, the initial pieces look nothing like the ones we are aware of today. Although we tag them ‘Christmas trees’, these decorative evergreens go back much further than the celebration of yuletide. By evidence, the tradition of styling a home with boughs of evergreen when it’s winter can be traced back to the age-old Egyptians.  During the long, cold winter days and nights, evergreens served as a suiting therapy that provided hope and offered comfort, like they did for the…