#tannenbaum

As previously mentioned, baubles are usually hung on the branches of the tree. The most garish bauble is placed at the front and centre of the tree, facing the room. It remains there for one day before being moved to the back. This is to remind us that the ugly parts of life are always present no matter how much we try to hide them. This one was made by my sister, and is actually a replacement for an even uglier bauble she made as a child but was tragically broken.

A Nativity scene is place below the tree, including Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, assorted farm animals and, of course, the Baby Jesus. The Angel lying on the ground beside the tableau, looking like he just fell off the stable roof, is actually there to remind us that Jesus descended from heaven to become mortal.

The Three Magi are traditionally not included in the Nativity Scene on Christmas Day, as they won't arrive for another week or two. Instead they are placed 12 inches (1 foot) away from the stable. During each of the Twelve Days of Christmas, the trio are moved 1 inch closer until they finally join the others. The tradition inspired aspects of the traditional British tabletop games of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000. (For larger Nativity scenes, they are placed 12 feet away instead. For even larger ones, like the kind found in public parks, they are kept twelve yards from the stable. The largest British nativity scene on record placed them twelve miles from the centre of Liverpool, and required them to be moved by donkeys for one mile each day.)

A strange bauble of unknown origin, this figure is known as Antisocial Santa. Unlike the more commonly known Father Christmas (a.k.a. Santa Claus, Santa Klaus, Kris Kringle, Jolly Ol' Saint Nick, etc.) this ornament is specially weighted so that no matter where it is placed on the tree it always turns to face away from the rest of the room. It may be right on the front, hidden at the back, or off to one side; either way it will mysteriously turn to make sure it is never making eye contact. This is to remind us that even those among us who avoid large groups can still be involved in the festive spirit, in their own way. (And yes, it really should be 'Asocial Santa' rather than Antisocial, but what can I say, the name stuck.)

The Christmas Caltrops are spiky pieces of material (typically plastic these days but historically made of metal). They are placed over the tree's lights so, when they inevitably fall off, they serve as booby traps for anyone trying to sneakily examine their presents at night. This reminds us to not do that.