Christmas Fan Favorite – Real Tree

Voted on by YOU…

The Christmas Tree

Evergreen trees and branches have been used for good luck, provision, and triumph by many cultures throughout history. The ancient Egyptians, the Celts, the Romans, and the Vikings are just a few examples!

In the 1830s, the early German settlers of North America brought with them the tradition of decorating trees in their homes for Christmas. Ironically, religious differences in the early days of America resulted in the abandonment of that tradition in fear of the pagan symbolism other settlers misunderstood. In fact, the court of Massachusetts enacted a law that made the celebration of December 25th a criminal offense!

It wasn’t until Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert, were sketched celebrating Christmas around a decorated tree in 1846 that the popularity for Christmas trees soared into mainstream culture again. Queen Victoria was very popular and beloved, so the addition of trees being brought into the royal holiday tradition spread far and wide, including to the White House under the 23rd President of the United States, Benjamin Harrison.

The most popular decorations that were added to Christmas trees were apples, nuts such as walnuts or pecans, and even cookies! Popcorn, cranberries and eventually home-crafted ornaments began dazzling the evergreen boughs.

We would love to know what kind of decorations your family adds to your tree for Christmas! Post your answers in the comments below!