The Tradition of the Christmas Tree

Christmas is a holiday full of unique and special traditions. The familiar sights, sounds, and smells of such Christmas traditions help usher in the joy that so many people feel when Christmas is near. The centerpiece of nearly every Christmas tradition is the Christmas tree.

The tradition of decorating a tree for Christmas originated in Germany. Historians believe the tradition began as long ago as 700 AD though it didn't become extremely popular until the 1800s. As Christmas trees became popular in Germany so too did the tradition make its way to America thanks to the increasing flow of German immigrants who eventually settled in regions of Pennsylvania. The popular department store, Woolworth's, soon became the first commercial store to begin selling decorative ornaments for Christmas trees to meet the demand of this growing tradition.

Christmas trees come in all different shapes and sizes. Artificial Christmas trees have grown popular today yet many people still prefer the authenticity that comes with having a real, fresh tree in their homes. Choosing the right type of Christmas tree is an essential part of the tradition. To many families, the Christmas season officially begins the day they set out to pick the perfect tree. Many American cities also officially begin the season by publicly lighting a large, decorated Christmas tree in the town's center, park, or outside a prestigious government building.

Among the most popular types of Christmas trees are Douglas, Fraser, Balsam, and Noble Firs. Scotch, Virginia, and White Pines are also popular. What makes these types of tree the ideal Christmas trees is mainly the fact that they are natural to alpine or northern climates and, as conifers, do not shed their foliage during the winter. Instead of leaves, they have tough needles that can withstand the harsh cold and weather of even the most brutal of winter snows can bring. The tall, cone shape these trees have, as well as their short, strong branches make them ideal for hanging decorative ornaments, trinkets, and lights.

Another aspect of these trees that many people enjoy is the fragrance that they give off. The more fragrant the tree, such as the Douglas Fir, the more popular they are. In contrast to the Douglas, the White Pine has only a subtle fragrance, which may play a part in the fact that it is the least popular of the traditional Christmas tree types.

Most families decide on their chosen Christmas tree because of its size. Because these trees are traditionally kept indoors, usually at a focal point in a living room or larger gathering room within the house, it is important that the tree be the right size so as not to be too tall or too wide for the room. Be sure to understand that as a tree warms up it will stretch its branches out far wider than it may appear when first purchasing the tree so be sure to take that into account while choosing your Christmas tree.

Be sure, also, to keep safety in mind when decorating your tree. The longer the tree goes after being cut from the ground, the dryer it gets. Be sure to keep its base well watered to slow this inevitable drying out. Traditionally strings of lights are hung around the Christmas tree. This can be the source of many accidental fires. To reduce the chance of an accident, make sure you only use Indoor lights if your Christmas tree is setup indoors, and make sure to test that all lights are working and not broken. Be careful, also, not to overload the power outlet, as this has been the source of most accidental fires. Do not lay rugs or blankets over electrical cords to hide them.

As with wreaths and garlands, Christmas Trees hold a strong place in the decorative traditions of the Christmas season. Christmas just wouldn't be the same without it. Choosing the right tree while taking proper care of the tree should bring you and your family a joyous and merry Christmas.