It`s the most wonderful time of the year. Big family feasts, presents, and of course, Christmas trees.
Evergreens have adorned the North Dakota Capitol for more than 50 years. But it wasn`t until 1981 that the tradition of decorating the state tree with handmade ornaments donated by North Dakotans was adopted.
"They come from different organizations -- children`s groups, school groups, individuals, arts, assisted living center -- different service organizations. So, it`s really well received and people seem to enjoy making ornaments and sending them for the tree," said Linda Ehreth with the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
The tradition of decorating a tree for the home in America didn`t really pick up steam until the 1920s and `30s.
"It becomes full bore in America after World War II. People coming back, using the money they saved during the war. People began expressing Christmas traditions with Christmas trees, ornaments, presents for the kids," said Mark Halvorson with the State Historical Society.
What about the ornaments to decorate the tree? At the turn of the 20th Century, ornaments from Austria were popular. But with World War I, imports stopped. But a new tradition was just beginning.
"During the `30s the F.W. Woolworth Company, Woolworth Five and Dime, came up with inexpensive round Christmas ornaments. It really popularized and made available a whole set of ornaments people can decorate their trees with and we still use those popular ornaments,` said Halvorson.
For many years to come, North Dakotans will gather around the Christmas tree and spread some holiday cheer.
