Reason For Decorating Christmas Tree

For decades, many of us have been decorating Christmas trees in our homes with baubles, lights and lovely ornaments — but why do we have Christmas trees? And where does this tradition originate from?

Bringing evergreen trees indoors has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals — both by Pagans and Christians — for thousands of years. Pagans would decorate their homes during the winter solstice with tree branches as a symbol to think of spring that was just around the corner.

Fir trees were also used by the Romans to decorate their temples at the festival of Saturnalia, while Christians used it as a sign of everlasting life with God.

Germany is also heavily credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition, as many Christians began decorating trees brought in from outside. Those who didn't have trees — or couldn't afford them — would make their own clever alternatives using wooden pyramids instead.

Some of the first Christmas trees in Germany were decorated with delicious edible decorations, such as gingerbread men and gold-covered apples (glass makers would also hang special small ornaments they had crafted themselves).

Who first brought a Christmas tree into the home?

The 16th century preacher, Martin Luther, was recorded as one of the first people to bring a Christmas tree into his home – and one of the first to add lights on the tree, too. According to tradition, one night before Christmas, Martin was seen walking through the forest and looked up to see the brightly shining stars glistening through the tree branches.

To recapture this scene for his family, he placed a tree in his living room and wired its branches with beautiful lights.

mrs Getty Images

When did the Christmas tree first come to England?

While Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are said to be the ones that made Christmas trees popular in England during the 1800s, it dates back much further than this. The tradition came from Germany, where King George III's wife was born. It was thought that his German wife, Charlotte, used to decorate a Christmas tree with her family during the 1760s.

Charlotte had a tree set up at the Queen's Lodge in Windsor for a children's party for those who were rich and noble. Not long after, having a tree had become popular amongst some rich families too.

In 1848, a drawing of 'The Queen's Christmas tree at Windsor Castle' was published in an addition of the Illustrated London News. After many people had read this, decorating trees started to rise in popularity.

What does the Christmas tree symbolise?

Long before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees had a special meaning with many people during the cold, winter months. Just as many of us decorate our homes today, ancient cultures would hang evergreen boughs across their doors — many even believed that this was something that could keep witches, evil sprits and illnesses at bay.

Back in 2004, Pope John Paul called the Christmas tree a 'symbol of Christ.' He said that this ancient tradition exalts the value of life and reminds Christians of the 'tree of life', which is found in the Bible's first book, Genesis.

Mark Scott

How have Christmas trees changed now?

Much like the very early Christmas trees, we still decorate ours with baubles and hang them with lights. Buying a real Christmas tree is still a tradition for many families, but over the years we have seen an increase in the number of artificial trees, especially pre-lit Christmas trees, as people opt for fuss-free, low maintenance trees that they can reuse every year.

We've also seen decorations take a more extravagant turn, with trends such as rainbow trees, sunflower trees and multi-coloured 'party' trees shaping the way people decorate, as well as wooden Christmas trees and twig trees. These alternative trees gain more popularity each year, and some households are ditching trees altogether, instead choosing to decorate a houseplant as a Christmas tree.

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15 wooden Christmas trees perfect for your home this festive season

4ft Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Alternative Wooden 4ft Christmas Tree

BOMBUS notonthehighstreet.com

US$345.00

This 4ft tree made from birch plywood features charming festive cut-out stars. It looks wonderful once draped with fairy lights.

Ladder Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Woodland Mistletoe Wall Hanging Christmas Tree Ladder

Dibor notonthehighstreet.com

£21.00

This festive wooden wall tree is a great low maintenance alternative to a real or artificial Christmas tree. Strung together on eco friendly jute rope, the natural grain wood branches are decked with forest green mistletoe leaves and copper and gold berries for a sparkly touch. Simply display on your wall or door with with the handy loop.

Ladder Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Bloomsbury Wooden Ladder with Berry Wall Decoration

John Lewis johnlewis.com

£25.00

Here's another wooden ladder tree, this time from John Lewis. Made from twigs and string, it's decorated with berries, pine cones, baubles and painted wooden stars.

Crate Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Large Christmas Crate Tree

PLANTABOX notonthehighstreet.com

£299.00

This set of nine versatile apple crates transforms into a 8m high arrangement for a lovely Christmas tree alternative. Each crate gives you storage for gifts and decorations, so you can make it as festive as you wish. The crate tree is available in six different colours and it's also available in a smaller size.

You might even be inspired to make your own version, DIY-style!

Scandi Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Wooden Scandi Tree

This Scandi-inspired wooden Christmas tree, crafted from blonde wood, boasts a fabulous, minimal silhouette. With a simple slatted design, a star detail is added to the top for an extra festive touch.

Tabletop Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Table Top Christmas Fir Trees

BOMBUS notonthehighstreet.com

£46.88

These might be small but we love the delicate fir and pine cone design on these hand-painted, laser etched wooden Christmas trees. Pop these on the table or mantelpiece and weave some fairy lights in between for a truly festive look.

Sustainable Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Driftwood Christmas tree wood decoration

sustainableseaside etsy.com

US$27.00

This handmade wooden Christmas tree has been assembled from driftwood on Suffolk beaches. Each tree is made from sustainable materials and is unique in style and size. At 30cm in height (it's also available in a larger size), it's definitely pared-back and far from a traditional Christmas tree, but it's perfect for a coastal home by the seaside.

Hanging Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Real Birch wood Ladder Christmas Tree

TheVintageParlour1 etsy.com

US$24.95

This hanging wooden Christmas tree is rather unique. Measuring at 73cm, it's made from thick real birch wood branches and is decorated with fake snow.

Oak Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Alternative Oak Christmas Tree

NATURAL WOOD COMPANY notonthehighstreet.com

US$95.00

We love the versatility of this oak Christmas tree. Each branch can be moved independently around the central trunk, so it can be arranged however you wish – whether it's as a spiral, a flat tree or any other design.

Storage Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Wooden Stacking Christmas Tree Shelf Set

Rico Design trouva.com

US$16.95

Wooden Christmas trees like this are ideal for small spaces because they make a great decorative feature and they provide storage space for presents. You can leave it plain or paint it, which is a great craft project to do with kids.

Pre-Lit Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Lit Wood-Effect Frosty Table Top Christmas Tree

Standing at 58.5cm tall, this unique wooden Christmas tree is formed from a series of criss-crossing branches. It's decorated with pinecones, sprigs of spruce and cut-out stars, and given a frosty finish for an extra wintry feel.

Alternative Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Oak Christmas Tree

A+B FURNITURE notonthehighstreet.com

£174.00

Supplied as a self assembly kit, all you have to do with this wooden Christmas tree is screw the stainless steel rod into the base, and then slide the oak branches down one after the other. It's available in two sizes: Standard size in H95 x W50 x D50cm and Large size in H145 x W76 x D76cm.

LED Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Wooden Tree Snowy Village

The Christmas Workshop amazon.co.uk

£29.99

Illuminated by lights, this wooden Christmas tree depicting a snowy village scene makes for a wonderful centrepiece. The decoration holds eight LED warm white lights which create a soft glow.

Small Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Bloomsbury Wood Frame Tree Decoration, Orange

John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com

£25.00

Want a centrepiece for your Christmas table? This simple wood tree is decorated with twigs, pine cones and realistic-looking berries.

Minimalist Christmas Tree - Wooden Christmas Tree

Set Of Three Alternative Wooden Christmas Trees

notonthehighstreet.com

£18.90

Keep things minimal and Scandi this Christmas with this set of three wooden Christmas trees. It'll look great on the mantel or used as a table centrepiece.

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