It is said that H.C. Andersen was in fact the inventor of this very classical christmas ornament - the braided hearts.
Traditionally these home-made paper hearts were hung on the christmas three and cookies were places in them as each has a small compartment. In some of our old carols the expression "eating the christmas tree" is used because of this.
Today is is not so common to fill the hearts with sweets but we still make them. It is a fun activity for everybody and there are eternal ways to 'braid' patterns into these beautiful christmas ornaments.