The Christmas tree evokes a cascade of memories for many. A symbol of joy and festivity during the holiday season, the history of Christmas trees blends ancient traditions with modern celebrations to represent renewal, hope, and the spirit of giving.
For centuries, evergreen plants and trees, those that remain green year-round, held a special meaning during the winter months. People in ancient times would bring evergreen boughs indoors to adorn windows and doorways where they symbolized eternal life, renewal and rebirth during the darkest days of the year.
The modern tradition of indoor Christmas trees began in Germany during the 16th century. It is believed that Martin Luther, the 16th century Protestant reformer, was the first to place lighted candles on an indoor evergreen tree after finding himself inspired by the twinkling of stars through the evergreens on an evening walk. Fast forward to 1846 when the popular royal family Queen Victoria, her German Prince Albert, and their children were captured in a sketch which appeared in the Illustrated London News standing around their Christmas tree… making this tradition fashionable.
By the late 1800’s, Christmas trees were gaining in popularity in America. Early on, most Americans decorated their trees with homemade ornaments, such as festive popcorn strung with berries and nuts, pinecones, pieces of fruit and other simple decorations. In 1882, Edward H. Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison, hand-wired the first string of electric Christmas lights. With this invention, Christmas trees could be safely illuminated and began to appear in town squares across the country. By now having a Christmas tree in the home was fast becoming an American tradition.
Traditions vary across cultures and families surrounding Christmas trees, from the type of tree—either artificial, pre-cut, live or cut-your-own— to the date the tree is set up, to how it is decorated. When it comes to real trees, according to the National Christmas Tree Association, “roughly 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold annually in the U.S.”
One local nursery founded in 1978 by Gary English, Landsystems Nursery, began selling pre-cut Christmas trees 25 years ago. “We offer premium Noble and Nordmann fir trees from a farm in the valley,” states Cindy Jeffers, manager of Landsystems Nursery since it opened 46 years ago. They also offer a variety of live potted evergreen trees some prefer to use as Christmas trees.
Landsystems Nursery has a unique way of displaying their cut tree selection, hanging them from the rafters in one of their greenhouses so that customers can twirl a tree to experience the fullness and shape of each. Along with their Christmas trees, the nursery also offers an expansive and immersive “Holiday House,” a Christmas shop offering ornaments organized by themes, poinsettias, Christmas cacti, holiday decorations, gifts and more.
“We just want to share the joy of the season,” Jeffers adds. “We invite people to come in and take their holiday photos in front of our trees and displays. Our goal is to create an escape from the busyness of life where you can slow down and enjoy the beauty of the season.”
When it comes to holiday traditions, Christmas trees are the centerpiece for many families and symbolize more than holiday décor. They represent the spirit of togetherness, hope and the timeless tradition of bringing warmth, light and life into the darkest days of the year.
Interesting Facts About Christmas Trees
- The first decorated Christmas tree was in Riga, Latvia in 1510.
- The first Christmas tree retail lot in the United States was started by Mark Carr in New York, in 1851.
- Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada.
- There are over 35 species of evergreen trees grown as Christmas trees. The most common types are fir, spruce, pine and cedar.
- The average growing time for a six- to seven-foot-tall Christmas tree is seven years.
- In the first week in your home, a Christmas tree will consume up to a quart of water per day.
- The tallest Christmas tree was a 221-foot Douglas Fir displayed in 1950 at Northgate Mall in Seattle, WA.
- Real Christmas trees are an environmentally friendly choice, especially if they are recycled. Here’s why:
- For every Christmas tree cut, a tree farm plants one to three seedlings the following year.
- Approximately 350 million Christmas trees are currently growing on about 350,000 acres in the U.S., all planted by farmers and preserving green space.
- Like giant air purifiers, one acre of Christmas trees consumes about 500 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. This same acreage also produces about 1,000 pounds of oxygen, the same amount that 18 people need to breathe in one year.
- Young trees produce more oxygen than mature forests.
- Real Christmas trees are biodegradable and can be recycled and used for mulch and other purposes.
Cutting Your Own Christmas Tree
- Christmas Tree Permits ($5 each) are available online or from local vendors.
- Regulations, guidelines, tips and more information on types of trees and where to find them can be found online. FS.USDA.gov
The history of Christmas trees blends ancient traditions with modern celebrations to represent renewal, hope, and the spirit of giving.