All About the Christmas Tree

Ever wonder why we bring a tree into our homes and decorate it? Today, I’m sharing some of the history behind this Christmas tradition.

The idea of bringing a tree into our home probably started with early Egyptians who brought palm fronds in during the winter months to celebrate the coming spring. The use of evergreens during the winter appears in many Winter Solstice traditions.

The Druids (England) placed evergreen branches above their doors to ward of evil spirits.

Decorating the house with branches evolved into trees placed at the front door in Germany and Scandinavia. It was most likely German immigrants who brought and expanded the tradition of the Christmas tree.

But not every one appreciated the sentiment even as late as 1900, only 1 in 5 American families put up a tree. The Puritans even banned Christmas and Christmas trees. Until the mid 1800s,

many businesses and schools stayed open on the 25th ignoring the holiday.

In 1851, a Catskill, NY farmer raised trees and carted them into New York City by oxen to sell them to those enjoying the holiday spirit.

By 1920, the custom of a decorated Christmas tree was commonplace. During the Depression, farmers who were unable to sell their trees for landscaping began to cut them as Christmas trees.

Today 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are cut each year. Most are cultivated by professionals and sold in lots, in front of grocery stores and garden shops. Christmas trees are mostly grown in Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington and shipped by truck right at Thanksgiving time.

I’d love to have you share your Christmas tree stories – click the comment link in the left column to post!