Several years ago we had a German foreign exchange student. At Christmas time her parents very thoughtfully sent us several packages of ornaments and German chocolates for Christmas along with Christmas music in German naturally. Some of the ornaments were made from straw in the shapes men and stars. Other ornaments were made from felt and looked like they were braided, made in the shape of hearts. Also included was a small braided rope in red with bells. What amazed me was the tiny mushrooms that you twist onto the end of your tree limbs. What significance is this? They were from Berlin, does this have to do with it? I am of German heritage also, and had never heard of this side of it. I have to admit tho, I had more of the German foods than folklore as my great grandmother, who was blind and going deaf, only spoke German and I didn't understand her at all. I know she knew English and had spoken it, but in her old age(she was 98) she didn't care and just lived in German. My grandmother and father would not tell me what she was saying.....I assume because she was mad at the Lord because she didn't want to die and she was cussing him out. Anyhow, does someone know what the mushrooms mean? Thanks, Marijean [email protected] May the dragon of life only roast your hot-dogs and never burn your buns