Bling Verboten in German Handmade Christmas Decorations
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The makers of Germany’s traditional wooden holiday decorations have stuck with the tried and true, ignoring bling, singing Santas and dancing reindeer in their handmade artisanship.
That strategy is paying off as the more than 300-year-old craft unique to the Ore Mountains in eastern Germany -- a picturesque area dotted with castles and fortresses that forms a natural border between the country and Czech Republic -- has never been more in demand. The artistry is a staple of Christmas markets and sold around the world.