<P> A tree - topper or treetopper is a decorative ornament placed on the top ( or `` crown '' ) of a Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush . Tree - toppers can take any form , but the most common shapes are a star ( representing either the Star of Bethlehem or the Star of David ) , finials , angels ( `` Christmas angel '' ) , or fairies . Other tree - toppers include paper rosettes , ribbon bows , Father Christmases or Santa Clauses , Christian crosses , owls , and sunbursts . </P>
what is the most popular item to put on top of a christmas tree
a star ( representing either the Star of Bethlehem or the Star of David ) , finials , angels ( `` Christmas angel '' ) , or fairies