The Christmas Tree Around the World

Picture from “Hearth & Homes” Creative Publishing International 2001

Canada and the United States – According to the University of Illinois’ web site German settlers migrated from the United States to Canada in the 1700’s. One of the many cherished Christmas traditions they took with them was the Christmas tree.

Britain – Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German husband, put up a Christmas tree in the Windsor Castle in 1848 and soon the tradition there became widespread.

Greenland – The tree does not grow in Greenland so is imported and then decorated with candles and bright ornaments.

Guatemala – Because of the large German population residing in Guatemala the Christmas tree has become tradition here along with the “Nacimiento” or Nativity Scene. Although gifts are placed under the tree on Christmas Eve for the children, parents and adults do not exchange theirs until New Year’s Day.

Finland – From early accounts we can establish that in 1829 Helsinki nobleman; Baron Klinkowstrom had eight Christmas trees decorated in his home. The first recorded Finnish decorated outdoor Christmas tree stood in the Pietarsaari in 1905. In 1954 Helsinki donated a Christmas tree to the Belgian city of Brussels.

Brazil – In Brazil citizens are creative enough to take tiny pieces of cotton and place them on a pine tree to represent falling snow.

Ireland – Throughout December trees are purchased and decorated with brightly colored lights, tinsel and baubles. The top is usually reserved for either a star or an angel.

Sweden – Although the trees are purchased well before Christmas they are generally not taken inside until just days prior to Christmas and then the Evergreen tree is decorated with stars, sunbursts and snowflakes made from straw. The straw is thought to bring luck for good crops, and there is one other difference with the Christmas tree celebration in Sweden, according to http://www.pickyourownchristmastree.org/global.php the tree must stay up until precisely 12 days after Christmas. At this site there is a wealth of information regarding choosing and caring for your Christmas tree. This site also offers a variety of Christmas tree farms, hayrides, sleigh rides, holiday recipes, and various other winter fun.