ORNAMENTAL

CHRISTMAS traditions vary from country to country, however the Christmas tree is a central element for many celebrating the December festive season. For many, it’s unthinkable to celebrate Christmas without a beautiful tree in the home and decorating is a traditional ritual that many families share. Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought trees into their home. Trees were regarded as an ancient symbol of life in the midst of northern winters.

It wasn’t until the time of Queen Victoria that celebrating Christmas by bearing gifts around a fir tree became a worldwide custom.

Learn more: people.com/royals/royal-christmas-tree-history/ www.britannica.com/plant/Christmas-tree

A sketch of Queen Victoria and her German husband Albert with their children around a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle. 1846.