So, when do you put up your Christmas tree? Is it already standing proud in the living room, looking pretty and packed with tinsel, lights and baubles and just waiting for Santa to stack his presents high around it?

Or are you more of a Christmas Eve kind of tree-putter-upper? We know, we know, it’s nothing to do with a last minute Christmas and everything to do with the fact that you don’t want festive overload and the day before is quite soon enough for you thank you very much….

The tradition of putting up decorated trees at Christmas began in Germany sometime in the 16th century. Christian reformer Martin Luther is often credited with the idea of the very first Christmas tree when he put candles on an evergreen tree in his garden. The custom soon spread to many European regions like Poland, Scandinavia, Latvia and Georgia and by the early 19th century the idea of a whole decorated tree had spread and taken hold here in Britain, at least among the wealthy classes.

Image by Law Hui Sheng

These days, trees at Christmas are commonplace and found not just in homes but in shops, pubs, restaurants, offices and even public places like squares and town halls, across the country. And we all know that traditional Christmas trees are evergreen conifers such as fir, pine or spruce. And of course these days, modern artificial trees are a fantastic substitute. However, if you fancy a real Christmas tree this year, then look for a reputable supplier of good, locally produced trees. You’ll find many in garden centres and also specially adapted woodlands that grow only Christmas trees – in some places you can even chose and cut down your own!

And once you’ve got your tree, dragged it home, lost half the pine needles in the car and the other half in the hall, all that’s left is the argument about who and how to decorate it, followed by a rousing chorus of “Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree……” Happy Christmas everyone!!

Image by Gavin Mills on freeimages.com