The History of the Christmas Tree

Christmas would not be complete if we didn't have a big, beautiful Christmas tree in our living room. Have you ever wondered where and when the Christmas tree originated and became a must-have symbol of Christmas? I have the answers for you, and it's actually pretty cool, y'all!

The Christmas tree has been a popular tradition dating back to the 16th century in Germany. My mom is from Germany, so I already knew a little bit about the ever-so-wonderful Christmas tree. Fir trees were decorated, both indoors and outdoors, with apples, roses, candies, and colored paper. A fir tree with apples was used to symbolize the Garden of Eden.

Everyone decorates their tree a certain, traditional way. Some people stick with certain colors and have some kind of theme; my family kind of just throws all kinds of ornaments on the tree. I love the homemade ornaments from way back in the day when we were kids. The picture to the left is our family Christmas tree. Family traditions are priceless.

Here are a few, extra, fun Christmas tree facts:

• Christmas trees have been selling commercially in the U.S. since the 1950's.
• If you have a real tree in your home, in the first week your tree will drink as much as a quart of water a day.
• There are over 10,000 Christmas tree farms in the U.S. alone.

Hope you enjoy my random Christmas tree facts. Now go and tell someone who does not know! Merry Christmas!