Christmas tree (disambiguation) facts for kids

A Christmas tree is a special tree, usually an evergreen like a fir or spruce, that people decorate during the Christmas holiday season. It's a popular tradition in many countries around the world. People often put lights, ornaments, and other decorations on the tree, and sometimes gifts are placed underneath it.

The Christmas Tree: A Holiday Tradition

Christmas trees are a big part of how many families celebrate Christmas. They bring a festive feeling to homes and are a central point for holiday gatherings. The tradition of decorating trees has a long and interesting history.

Where Did Christmas Trees Come From?

The idea of decorating trees for celebrations actually goes back a very long time, even before Christmas was celebrated.

Ancient Roots of Tree Decorating

Long ago, in ancient times, people in different cultures used evergreen trees and plants to celebrate winter festivals. They believed these plants, which stayed green all year, had special powers. They thought the evergreens helped remind them that spring would return and that life would continue even in the cold winter. Some ancient people, like the Ancient Egyptians, Ancient Romans, and Celts, used evergreens to decorate their homes and temples during the shortest days of winter.

How Christmas Trees Became Popular

The modern Christmas tree tradition, as we know it today, started in Germany during the Renaissance (a period from the 14th to the 17th century). German Christians began decorating trees with candles and apples.

The tradition spread from Germany to other parts of the world. In the 19th century, when Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom married Prince Albert, who was German, he brought the Christmas tree tradition to the British royal family. In 1846, a drawing of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their children around a decorated Christmas tree was published in a London newspaper. This picture helped make the Christmas tree very popular in England and later in America.

Decorating Your Christmas Tree

Decorating a Christmas tree is a fun activity for many families. There are many ways to make a tree look festive.

Types of Decorations

• Lights: Small electric lights are wrapped around the tree branches. These lights come in many colors and styles, making the tree sparkle.
• Ornaments: These are small, decorative items hung from the branches. They can be made of glass, plastic, wood, or other materials. Many families have special ornaments that have been passed down through generations.
• Tinsel: These are thin, shiny strips that are draped over the branches, adding sparkle.
• Garland: Long strings of beads, popcorn, or other decorative items are wrapped around the tree.
• Tree Topper: A special ornament, often a star or an angel, is placed at the very top of the tree. The star often represents the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Three Wise Men to Jesus.

Different Kinds of Christmas Trees

People use both real and artificial trees for Christmas.

Real Christmas Trees

Many families choose a real tree for its fresh scent and natural look. Common types of real Christmas trees include:

• Fir trees: Like Douglas fir, Fraser fir, and Noble fir. These are popular because they have good needle retention (their needles don't fall off easily) and a pleasant smell.
• Spruce trees: Such as Norway spruce and Blue spruce. These trees have strong branches that can hold heavy ornaments.
• Pine trees: Like Scots pine and White pine. These also have good needle retention.

Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial trees are made from materials like PVC plastic. They can be reused year after year, which some people prefer. They come in many sizes and styles, and some even come with lights already attached.

Christmas Trees in Culture

Christmas trees are not just decorations; they are also part of songs and stories.

"O Christmas Tree" Song

One famous song about Christmas trees is "O Christmas Tree." The original German version is called "O Tannenbaum". The song praises the tree's beauty and how it stays green even in winter. It's a classic holiday tune that many people sing during Christmas.

The Western Australian Christmas Tree

Did you know there's a plant in Western Australia that's also called the Christmas tree? It's a plant named Nuytsia floribunda. This plant is famous for its bright orange flowers that bloom around Christmas time in Australia, making it look very festive!

Images for kids

• Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.jpg

  A large Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center in New York City.