O CHRISTMAS TREES

A millennium banner on a Christmas tree presents a timely greeting.

A goose-feather Christmas tree from the 1920s is an early artificial tree on display at the Glenn House.

When it comes to Christmas tree decorations, there's no best theme.

Some people don't think they have a theme for their tree because they use the hodgepodge assortment of ornaments they've collected over the years. They maintain a treasured collection of handmade decorations that carry memories, like the gingerbread man their daughter made during her first year as a Brownie, or the painted, cardboard wreath their son made at preschool.

Stephanie Williamson, a mother of 3- and 5-year old boys, said she has no choice in her Christmas tree decorations, which include dozens of candy canes, trees and gingerbread men made of everything from toilet paper rolls to facial tissues.

"They bring something home every week, and the first thing they do is put it on the tree," said Williamson.

Like other owners of family Christmas trees, Williamson has some store-bought ornaments. However, the decorations vary widely in price and have no specific trend.

Mary Keller, a decorator at Silk Tree Factory, said family-oriented Christmas decorations are just one in a myriad of Christmas tree themes that can be found in homes and businesses this year.

"A lot of people still have the family Christmas trees with all the paper decorations and ornaments they've had for years," said Keller. "Those are the ornaments your kids and grandkids have given you that you just don't want to throw away."

Keller said there are as many Christmas tree themes as there are trees. The Silk Tree Factory alone is featuring nine Christmas tree themes this year, ranging from Victorian to outdoorsman looks.

"People buy ornaments that reflect who they are," said Frank Trankler, district supervisor for the floral department at Silk Tree Factory.

Trankler said some people change their tree each year because they enjoy buying new decorations and having a different look for the Christmas tree each year.

Other people maintain individualized collections and work to ensure every ornament matches their collection. Rather than just waiting for ornaments to go on sale during the Christmas shopping season, these collectors are more likely to search for decorations throughout the year or in specialized stores.

For example, some anglers may have a special tree which features ornaments made of fishing bobbers or outdoor themes. Avid golfers might prefer items that emphasize their favorite sport or are made of golf balls or tees.

Decorations which feature Disney movie characters and Precious Moments or Hallmark ornament collections also are popular theme trees.

The millennium tree is one of the hottest new themes this year. Everyone from local retailers to mail-order catalogues is selling ornaments emphasizing the coming of the 2000.

Millennium tree decorations are almost completely silver or gold and include garlands, beads, glass ornaments and tinsel. And, of course, "2000" is prominently marked on most items.

"That's very popular this year," said Keller. "Some people are just buying one or two items. Others are buying enough for a whole tree."

The Christmas tree is more than a collection of lights and tinsel. Whether the decorations are new or old, paper or glass, silver or metal, the items featured are a demonstration of individual style.