Christmas spider tree ornaments. Handmade in Phelps County, Nebraska. 

Multiple colors and options available. A spider will be chosen for you from the color variant you chose. Exact colors, trims, and details may vary. 

The Legend of the Christmas Spider

Once upon a time a gentle mother was busily cleaning the house for the most wonderful day of the year. Not a speck of dust was left. Even the spiders had left their cozy corner in the ceiling and had fled to the attic to avoid the housewife’s busy cleaning.

At last, it was Christmas Eve. The tree was decorated and waiting for the children. The poor spiders were frantic, for they could not see the tree or the presents that waited for dawn. The oldest and widest spider suggested that perhaps they could peep through the crack in the door to see this glorious sight. Silently, they crept out of the attic, down the stairs and across the floor to wait in the cracks in the threshold. Suddenly, the door opened a wee bit and the spiders quickly scurried into the room. The tree was breathtaking and certainly more than their eyes were accustomed to seeing. So, they crept all over the tree, up and down, over every branch and twig and saw every one of the pretty things. At last they were satisfied with the Christmas tree’s beauty.

But alas! Everywhere they went left their webs. Now seeing what they had done, they became very afraid they would be killed; so they prayed for mercy. Suddenly, an angel appeared and said, “I’ll save you, but I will need some help. One of you must stay to save the rest.” It was agreed who would stay. Then the angel touched the spider and turned it to ice and the webs became shimmering silver and gold.

Since then, we have hung tinsel on our Christmas trees to remind us of the sacrifice of one to save many. According to the legend, it is a custom to include the spider among the decorations on the tree.