The Story of the Christmas Tree:
Why Do We Decorate It?

For many centuries, people saw evergreen branches as a symbol of life, hope and the return of spring.



Why a Christmas Tree?

The answer begins with evergreen trees.

Unlike many other trees, fir trees and other evergreens stay green throughout the winter. While the days become shorter and nature seems to fall asleep, they remain fresh and full of life.
For many centuries, people saw evergreen branches as a symbol of life, hope and the return of spring. They were used to decorate homes during the winter months, long before the Christmas tree became a popular tradition.

The idea of bringing a whole tree indoors and decorating it later became popular in Germany, around the 16th century.
How Did People Decorate the First Christmas Trees?


The first Christmas trees were decorated with things people already had at home.

Apples, nuts, sweets and handmade paper decorations were among the earliest ornaments.

Apples were especially popular. They were also connected with old Christmas plays about Adam and Eve.
Over time, decorations became more elaborate, and the Christmas tree turned into an important part of family celebrations.
When Did Candles First Appear on Christmas Trees?


By the 17th and 18th centuries, people in German-speaking parts of Europe were using small wax candles to light up their trees.
Imagine a room filled with the soft glow of candlelight, natural greenery and the smell of fresh fir branches.

Beautiful, but not particularly safe! Candles could easily set dry branches on fire, so they had to be watched carefully.

Electric Christmas lights eventually changed everything.
Why Christmas Tree Become Popular in Britain?


The Christmas tree was brought into the British royal tradition by Queen Charlotte, the German-born wife of King George III.
In 1800, she introduced a decorated Christmas tree at a royal celebration in Windsor.
However, it was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who helped make the tradition popular across Britain.
In 1848, an illustration of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children gathered around their Christmas tree appeared in the Illustrated London News.

People loved the idea, and soon Christmas trees became fashionable in British homes.
A Special Christmas Tradition in London

Have you ever seen the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square?

Since 1947, Norway has gifted London a Christmas tree every year as a thank-you for Britain’s support during the Second World War.

The tree is displayed in the heart of London and has become one of the city’s most loved Christmas traditions.


Because Christmas is not just a date on the calendar.
It is a feeling we create, share and remember.
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