The Feather Christmas Tree

The Christmas Tree is perhaps the oldest of winter celebrations, originating in the burning of the Yule Log during the Pagan holiday of Yule. This Winter Solstice celebration was eventually replaced by the Christian holiday of Christmas, but the tradition of honoring the season with a large tree remained. By the fifteenth century, evergreen trees were placed both outside and inside homes during the holiday season. Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer in the 1500s, popularized the tradition of decorating the tree, one that has survived to today. across the different sects of Christianity.

This year, we have numerous Christmas trees on display throughout the house. There are traditional trees in the Front Parlor and at the top of the stairs, as well as children's trees on the second floor. The most unique and Victorian of these trees is the Feather Tree. Our Feather Tree was designed, created, and decorated by Kevin Fitzpatrick, a renowned interior designer and decorator who donated his time and expertise to MCHS this winter to help us decorate for Christmas. His Feather Tree is quite a sight, and will be on display throughout the months of December and January. 

The Victorian tradition of Feather Trees originated in Germany at the beginning of the nineteenth century. They migrated to America along with the German immigrants, and took root in Pennsylvania before eventually branching out into the surrounding states. They were a popular Christmas decoration from the beginning of the Victorian era through the 1950s, when more life-like decorative trees became available. 

Kevin Fitzpatrick's Feather Tree is handmade from feathers dyed green and glued together. The decorations on this tree are from the 1860s and the display is a true tribute to the Victorian Christmas. The Feather Tree is just a small part of the Winter Wonderland that Kevin and his team created in Acorn Hall's Dining Room. We invite everyone to stop by and take a look at his beautiful creation. 

Acorn Hall will be open starting Sunday, December 1 at 1:00 pm. We are open for tours Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Thursdays from 11:00am to 4:00 pm. Our gift shop will be open Sundays during tour hours and Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm throughout the month of December. We invite holiday lovers old and young to tour our elegant Victorian home and take a look at what Christmas would have been like in Morris County during the nineteenth century.