History of the Christmas Tree
Mel Garner has created this scene of the manger, here continuing a traditional begun by St. Francis of Asisi.
“Ever since St. Francis of Assisi made the first Christmas crib in 1223, in many areas of Europe it has been customary to make and set up beautifully carved scenes of Christ’s nativity. As the tree became the central focus of festivities in the home, these cribs were staged at the base of it. In many homes those cribs became part of the ritual trimming the tree.”
From: The Christmas Tree – the Heart of Traditional Yuletide, Barbara Segall Clarkson, Potter 1995
What Makes A Great Christmas Tree?
Christmas Tree by Mel Garner Aylmer, QC
“It’s hard to describe what makes the perfect Christmas tree. The physical requirements are straightforward enough. The tree must stand tall and straight. Its branches must be thick and graceful, and they must point upward, giving the impression they are reaching for the sky…
But the trees that are finally selected need something more than height, thickness and suppleness ― even more than mere beauty. And that’s where I come in. I’m not an exceptional fellow in most ways, but I do have this gift. I can see if a tree has character, a spirit that outshines the ornaments and tinsel and lights ― if its beauty comes from the inside and not just the outside.”
About finding the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York, from the story The Christmas Tree, Julie Salamon, Random House 1996
“Rituals and myths, such as those involving Xmas and Santa Claus, are among the few remaining links to our ancient roots; they are part of the most tenacious and most important myth of all ― the story of man’s first awareness of being part of something greater than himself and of the shattering memory of the conquest of fire; that fiery instant which totally changed the fate of mankind.”
From the fascinating and highly original book: When Santa was a Shaman ― The Ancient Origins of Santa Claus & the Christmas Tree, Tony van Renterghem, Llewellyn Publivations, 1995
O Christmas Tree
O Christmas Tree (Quoted from “O Tannebaum,” Wikipedia- Click Here to listen!)
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us.
They’re green when summer days are bright;
They’re green when winter snow is white.
O, Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
You give us so much pleasure!
How oft at Christmas tide the sight,
O green fir tree, gives us delight!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
You give us so much pleasure!
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree
Forever true your colour.
Your boughs so green in summertime
Stay bravely green in wintertime.
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree
Forever true your colour.
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree
You fill my heart with music.
Reminding me on Christmas Day
To think of you and then be gay.
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree
You fill my heart with music.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
How are thy leaves so verdant!
Not only in the summertime,
But even in winter is thy prime.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How are thy leaves so verdant!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Much pleasure dost thou bring me!
For every year the Christmas tree,
Brings to us all both joy and glee.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Much pleasure dost thou bring me!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!
Each bough doth hold its tiny light,
That makes each toy to sparkle bright.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!
No Santa Claus
Here’s a famous letter from 8-year old Virginia O’Hanlon to the New York Sun and Francis P. Church’s reply, 1897. 
Dear Editor,
I am eight years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in the Sun it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
115 W. 95th Street
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the scepticism of a sceptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
Mel Garner’s Christmas Decorations
For 27 years Mel Garner of Aylmer, Quebec, Canada has created Christmas decorations, everything from the 3 wise men and the nativity scene to Santa in his workshop.
Local children delight in his Christmas world.
Mel is a carpenter as well as a former newspaper man, sings in the church choir and supports the local food bank. His scenes are a labour of love open to visitors from far and wide.
The Trees In The Family Relations Essence
Family Relations Essence delas with eemotions surrounding conflict, disharmony amongst friends and family. Helps bring more conscious when there is sibling rivalry, anger, envy, jealousy, old resentments and hurts. We may feel trapped in hurtful relationships and behaviors, unable to escape arguments or to change the dynamics within a family situation.
Family Relations speaks of reconciliation, forgiveness and the healing of wounds. With its help we can bring completion to healing with those persons we can no longer be with, e.g. deceased family members… It is a soothing essence, allowing us to let go and move on.
Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) speaks of soothing. It is a balm for our hurts.
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) speaks of emerging from bleak, grim feelings, speaking of good cheer.
Black Maple (Acer nigrum) speaks of courage and determination to bring about change for the better.
Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) speaks of dependability, adaptability and durability in relationships.
Pencil Juniper (Juniperus virginiana) speaks of the embracing maternal energy, when we feel isolated, unwanted, as if we are homeless.
Red Spruce (Picea rubens) speaks of the balancing force of the paternal energy when we tend to be egocentric and focused on our own desires.
White Spruce (Picea glauca) speaks of the healing of relationships.
Christmas… A Time for Reflection
Christmas and the holiday season is portrayed through the media as a “Hallmark” event: families coming together in peace and happiness and everyone having a warm and fuzzy feeling. 
Sadly, this is not what happens for most families,,,, with expectations so high, and financial pressure being extreme in the holidays, often more chaos is experienced than peace and harmony. With stress levels peaked to the max, inner tension runs high and we become more vulnerable to becoming a snapping turtle than a Christmas Dove.
The holiday season for me is always a time of self reflection, and to help with my introspection I use SELF AWARENESS SPRAY.
As much as I love to give gifts, and create those Hallmark memories for my family, I do so within my means, and work from my heart and personal motivation, instead of what society expects….or family tradition dictates.
By living within my means, and not just financially, but really listening to what the season calls to me,,, how do I want to create this year, what do I want to do and how do I want to do it, helps me to stay centered and truly enjoy the season and the memories that I create for my loved ones.
SELF AWARENESS GOOD VIBE SPRAY helps me to take time daily to go within, to meditate and to become aware of my needs and desires…To listen to my impulses. Impulses are a way of Spirit moving through me, a sudden inspiration that when allowed to come into action, becomes something I am content with.
It is so easy to lose one’s center in this demanding season, and a quick ‘spritz’ of SELF AWARENESS GOOD VIBE SPRAY brings me right back to my center. The aroma of sandalwood is so grounding and soothing.
My wish for everyone this season, is to take some time for your personal journey within, and listen to your truth, to your needs and your own hearts desire. May you all find peace and happiness within…. many blessings to all Terri Songbird
Terri Songbird distributes Canadian Forest Tree Essences in both United States and Canada. She welcomes Stores and Therapist and Healer Inquiries for wholesale orders. Terri Songbird offers free online support for all of her accounts making the transition into working with the essences easy and successful for both parties, the retailer and the client.
Call: 888-494-6627 or email: tphillips6@sympatico.ca
Contact Terri as well to arrange for an individual Wellness consultation or about Tree Essence classes.
Family Relations During The Holidays
With the Holidays just around the corner, family relations come into focus as we plan visits from across the country or the ocean. Just the thought of coming home may bring memories of the wonderful smell of cooking, the joy of seeing the traditional decorations, the warm feeling of endless talks around the kitchen table with siblings, and the comfort of the hugs and laughter.
Or, it may bring more anxious feelings when conflicts and tension between family members is present.
Does it look like a Christmas card to you? Or does the reality seem more mixed and challenging.
I am blessed because holidays have been a great occasion for coming all together for most years. Coming home has brought such a feeling of comfort. Family relations are sacred for me and it is the same for my siblings and parents. During the holidays we have also been able to rise above any stress between us, to put aside our egos and limitations. There reigns the great gift of unconditional love and respect.
My mom always said we four kids that got along, expect of course for occasions where my big brother enjoyed teasing his sister. We are all very different but there is such a connection between us and I cherish that very much. I thank God for having them in my life.
But in many families there are wounds, scars or ruptures, unpleasant memories and family relations are not so easy. The strain of it all can affect how we are when we get together for holidays. When a family member is sick or someone has died that year our conflicts may be amplified. It may be so unbearable to face our feelings, to put aside hurtful events or our discomforts that we may even chose to not show up at all. These conflicts may be with parents, siblings, cousins or even our own children. And yet, in our heart we know that family is of such importance. They are our roots and they are part of who we are.
Knowing our difficulties with family relations, we may have worked hard to resolve issues, to forgive, to detach ourselves, to live OUR lives and feel our freedom. But when we meet we may realize that attachments run very deep and no matter what, the connection remains.
I have known several women and men that were not in contact with their family, thinking there was no need or connection anymore and one day, life brought them back together. There is a program on Quebec French TV where a team is in charge of finding lost family members. People send letters with information they know about the person they have lost. On every show, they bring those people together and it is so amazing to see and feel these beings finding each other again. It is a coming home.
We all have different upbringings: some with many hurdles, ups and downs, and others easily riding the waves of growing up together, but no matter what, families give us our first impression of the world. The family is central to our world and how we relate to everyone and everything around us.
So we still have unfinished business with parents, even those who passed away, brothers, sisters, and children, I encourage you to take time and look at all these important people in your life and gradually learn what is needed to heal. Otherwise, no matter where we move, the family conflicts move with us.
Sometimes, only time will heal, especially when there is a rupture and we do not understand the events. We may carry anger and are incapable of resolving problems. But the only place to be is in our Heart, keeping it wide open, since it is as big as the Universe, and filled with love since there is enough in one heart for 6 billion people. Do not doubt the magic of love. It is the most powerful force.
Such is the great importance to deal with our fears of encountering family members and of resolving unfinished hurts and conflicts, we have developed an essence called FAMILY RELATIONS to help those wishing to reopen conversation with a family member. This essence is of great support during those times. And the amazing thing about it is YOU may be the only person using the essence and the world starts changing around you. 
Often we think, “if only he or she would change, things would be so easier.’’ But the power lies within each and every one of us and as we begin transforming our self, people around start acting differently around us. Using the FAMILY RELATIONS essence works within your resonance to heal wounds and scars within yourself but also within those you are close to because we are all SO connected and powerfully to our family and friends.
Just watch what will happens when you use the Family Relations Essence.
I wish you and your family much love and blessings during the holiday and New Year.
To your family,
Namasté
Ma Sunder Gulabo.
Book a Heart to Heart Session with Gulabo at Gulabo@essences.ca
or 1-888-410-4325 Heart to Heart with Gulabo
Dr. Carol Magda Naturopath, Author and Tree Essence Practitioner
Dr. Carol Magda
Naturopath, Author and Tree Essence Practitioner
“Canadian Forest Tree Essences have played a big part in helping to uncover, release and smooth out emotional imbalances. Results have been more precise and timely using the essences.”
Carol Magda is a practicing Naturopathic Doctor, teacher, author, public speaker, fully experienced in managing large organizations as well as in project management of large complex projects. A superb lecturer and teacher, professionals and students alike search her out in their quest for higher learning of techniques and protocols that work!
Trained in the hard sciences as well as alternative methods, economics and business management, she is an expert in the areas of business management, health, social science and personal development. Dr. Magda holds a bachelors degree in Economics, a second degree in Business Management, Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Natural Science, a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, PhD in Integrated Methods and is currently conducting postdoctoral work in the areas of human development.
Dr. Magda travels around the world in order to continue to learn and collect new research. During her most recent trip to China, she received certification in Body Space Medicine as well as esoteric studies. She has been further trained in the ancient Oriental Healing arts (TCM, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs) by way of apprenticeship method with several master teachers across the United States and Europe. She became a Reiki Master Teacher, certified in the energy techniques of Total Body Modification, Neuro-Emotional Technique, Bach Flower and Canadian Forest Tree Essence Therapy.
Dr Magda runs two successful practices and combines her business management skills with her varied and comprehensive academic, clinical and professional experience when working with executives of Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, and the chronically and critically ill through the unique advanced programs she offers.
Education on how healing and imbalances occur on all levels of self – physical, emotional, mental/intellectual and spiritual/soul – is fundamental within her programs. The Canadian Forest Tree essences have played a big part in helping to uncover, release and smooth out emotional imbalances. Results have been more precise and timely using the essences within her programs.
Dr. Magda practices integrated Naturopathic medicine and teaches the full spectrum of such an approach in all subjects she teaches at the International Academy of Health Sciences (www.intlacademy.com), where she is the Director of Iridology and Nutritional Studies. In particular she teaches the use of Canadian Forest Tree essences within the parameters of an iridology practitioner in her emotional iridology programs.
A highly sought after lecturer and teacher, Dr. Magda has inspired and motivated her students to expand their knowledge of natural health. Her focus and determination in all of her efforts to advance the understanding and acceptance of complementary and alternative therapies including the writing of a medical textbook are extraordinary and admirable. “Iridology – A Focused Study” (450pages) is used in Colleges and Universities and provides a comprehensive approach to learning and using Iridology principles in holistic analysis.
She can be reached at drcarolmagda@aol.com located in Ottawa & North of Toronto.
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