History of the Christmas Tree, What are your Traditions?

A look at the history and traditions of the Christmas tree

As you tag and buy your Christmas tree this year, do you ever wonder where the tradition 'stems' from?  Although the custom of decorating trees as part of Christmas celebrations can be traced to the 16th and possibly the 15th centuries, the Christmas tree did not become popular outside of Germany until the second half of the 19th century.  Even then, the custom was practiced primarily by nobility only. Originally, the tree was traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts or dates.  Candles adorned the trees in the 18th century which were eventually replaced with Christmas lights, once electricity was invented. Although Christmas trees as we know it are relatively modern, the use of evergreens as a symbol of eternal life …

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5 Things To Know Today

Wednesday: Winter Wonderland Storytime and Craft

A look at what's happening in and around Middletown today.

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5 Things To Know Today

Tuesday: Candle Lighting and After-Christmas Sale

A look at what's happening in and around Middletown today.

Beach House is having an after-Christmas sale starting today, with 20 percent off storewide and 50 percent off of Christmas items. The sale goes through Jan. 12 and store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Barnes & Noble will host Storytime with Miss Lynn featuring Ten on a Sled by Kim Norman and Liza Woodruff at 10:30 a.m. Historic private Newport homes will be open for Candlelight Tours as part of Christmas in Newport tonight from 4 to 7 p.m. Tonight’s open houses are at 264 Gibbs Avenue, 33 Farewell Street, and 34 Malbone Road. Admission is $3 per house and is payable at the front door of each home. Touro Synagogue will be holding a Community Hanukkah Candle Lighting at 7:30 p.m. in…

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Christmas Service Schedule for Newport and Middletown Churches

A roundup of this weekend's religious services in celebration of the Christmas holiday.

Catholic Churches St. Mary’s Church Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass Dec. 25 at 8:30 a.m. Christmas Mass Dec. 25 at 10:30 a.m. Christmas Mass St. Joseph’s Church Dec. 24 at 5:15 Christmas Eve Mass Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass in Spanish Dec. 24 at 10:30 p.m. Christmas Music Program Dec. 24 at 11 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass Dec. 25 at 7 a.m. Christmas Mass Dec. 25 at 9:30 a.m. Christmas Music Program Dec. 25 at 10 a.m. Christmas Mass St. Augustine’s Church Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass Dec. 25 at 8 a.m. Christmas Mass Dec. 25 at 10:30 a.m. Christmas Mass St. Lucy’s Church Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass Dec. 24 at 10 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass Dec. 25…

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5 Things To Know Today

Thursday: Rudolph on the Big Screen, Christmas in Newport Begins

A look at what's happening in and around Middletown today.

The Healing Co-op will host a Caregiver’s Circle Support Group at 7 p.m. This open-door support group welcomes anyone involved in the caregiving of a cancer patient. The Middletown Roads/Utilities Advisory Committee will meet at 7 p.m. in Town Hall. The meeting will discuss the Esplanade Improvements as well as other stormwater and capital improvement projects. The Jane Pickens Theatre will host a free screening of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" at 5:30 p.m. with the first 60 people receiving free reindeer noses. The official start of Christmas in Newport will kick off with the Washington Square Tree Lighting, featuring live entertainment, a cannon salute by the Newport Artillery, and an appearance by the mMayor at 6 p.m. The Colony …

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