One of the traditions I love is putting up and decorating the Christmas
tree which we usually do in the second week or December. We usually play
Christmas music and for us it feels like the beginning of Christmas! Closer
to Christmas we put the presents under the tree.
Our local towns and cities usually have a Christmas tree displayed
somewhere central which look beautiful.
A Minster local to us holds a Christmas Tree celebration each December
where all the local charities put up and decorate a Christmas tree in
unique and traditional ways in the Minster. People visit and the money
raised goes to the charities. It is a wonderful way of raising awareness
for the charities, seeing beautiful decorations and having fun for all the
family!
Every year an enormous Norwegian Fir tree is cut down in Norway and
shipped to London UK to be proudly displayed as the Christmas tree in
Trafalgar Square. This has been a tradition since 1947 when Norway has
thanked Britain for its support during the Second World War.
Whether its a real tree or an artificial one for many of us it is the centrepiece of Christmas decorating in our homes and a
really fun part of Christmas for adults and children alike.
History Of The Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree has become a mainstay of the festive season, but it is
not a new decoration. Its origins date back a long time when the tradition of bringing
evergreen trees or branches into the home in winter can be traced all the
way back to cultures such as the Vikings, Romans and
Egyptians.
These civilizations viewed evergreen trees as symbols of life and
rebirth, and brought them indoors to ward off evil spirits during the
winter solstice. They also served as a reminder during the depths of
winter, of the life of Spring to come.
However, the modern Christmas tree as we know it today has its origins in
Germany.
Decorating a tree with ornaments, garlands and candles became popular in
the 16th century and became a tradition in Europe and beyond.
The Christmas tree was introduced to England in the 19th century. Queen
Victoria's German husband, Prince Albert, brought the tradition with him to
the royal court. Once people saw the Royal family with a Christmas Tree
people aspired to have one for themselves.
In America, the Christmas tree tradition was popularized by German
immigrants in the 19th century.
By the early 20th century, the Christmas tree had become a firm favourite
and treasured symbol of the festive season and it remains a beloved
tradition for many people.
Christmas Trees In All Shapes, Sizes And Decor.
Some of us choose large trees, some small. Some people like a modern tree which may be made of wood or metal, a pre
lit bare branched tree, or a full branched traditional one either green or
snowy to name a few.
They can be small, large, real ones chosen from the fields or
artificial and pre lit or not. They can be decorated with all manner of
items from real pine cones to baubles, family pieces and handmade crafted items and lights which can be bright white, soft gold or colours.
Some ornaments are handed down through generations, or new ones bought
each year.
We still have Christmas baubles and tinsel handed down to me from my
parents which we display every year and we occasionally add to our
collection.
People site their Christmas trees in different places. For many it will
have pride of place in the main living room, others may have it in the
entrance hallway or in the dining room and some may have a couple of
trees, maybe a main large one then a smaller table top one.
A Christmas tree can be decorated in traditional red and green, or
golds, bronze, pinks, silver and white or really anything you
choose!
Some people like it decorated in a restrained way while for others no
amount of decoration is too much.
Some people let their children decorate it in any way they wish, while
others have a strict theme.
Its really anything you and your family desire and makes you happy! We
love ours especially in the cold, dark winter evenings when the golden
lights twinkle and it is just a really pretty, cosy look to our main
living room.
42%
29%
