SILCHAR, Dec 24: The churches of different denominations across Barak Valley have made brisk and elaborate preparations for observing Christmas with all serenity and jollity. Besides making meticulous planning, the Presbyterian Church here in the campus of Oriental School located at Jail Road has placed a well decorated Christmas tree in the holy prayer hall. The Christmas tree, as is well known, is a decorated evergreen coniferous tree, real or artificial. It is a tradition associated with the celebration of the greatest festival of Christians. According to records, the tradition of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmas started in Livonia and Germany in the 16th century. The Christmas tree is traditionally brought into the home and decorated with Christmas lights, ornaments, garlands, tinsel, and candy canes during the days around Christmas. An angel or star is placed at the top of the tree, representing the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity. (SentinelAssam)