Christmas Trees: Legend and Reality

Arborists work hard to keep trees healthy.  We don’t like to cut a tree unless the specimen is dying or will not grow strong because of competing trees but we do recognize sustainable Christmas tree farms where anyone can purchase a beautiful tree for the holidays.  So, we want to offer tips on how to keep that tree looking good as long as possible and what you might want to do with it after the holidays end.

Taking Care of Your Christmas Tree

Water the tree.  We know the holidays are busy and a new chore is easy to forget.  There are two good reasons for remembering this task: the tree will look better and your home will be safer.  LED lights are considerably cooler than the bulbs of the past but a dry tree is kindling.  Be safe and enjoy this time of the year.

Turn off your Christmas tree lights when you’re not around to enjoy them.  You’ll save energy and help the tree retain moisture.

Keep an eye on pets.  Your furry family members might want to chew the boughs and might become ill.  Slobber won’t necessarily hurt the tree but a good tug can topple the whole thing.  If you’re at work or out visiting friends, the tree might rest on the floor, with no water for hours.

Appreciate the Very Old History of Christmas Trees

For many of us, the annual practice of putting up a Christmas tree can be a very important piece of our family and personal histories.  We hang ornaments that remind us of holidays past.  We marvel at how the kids have grown compared to the height of the tree.  We remember the smell that we enjoy and that pine needles require lots and lots of vacuuming.

As a larger community, the tradition we share is very old, dating back to 723 AD.  Legend has it that Saint Boniface came upon a pagan celebration as he was spreading the word of God in Germany.  People had decorated an oak tree and were preparing to sacrifice a baby.  Boniface felled the oak with one blow of an ax, stopping the proceedings and getting everyone’s attention.

In the shadow of that oak stood a small fir tree.  Boniface declared the little tree to be a symbol of God, comparing the evergreen color to everlasting life and noting that the needles pointed to Heaven.  Finally, he declared the triangular needles to represent the Holy Trinity.

Know the More Recent History of Christmas Trees

Records indicate that there was a Christmas tree in the Cathedral of Strasbourg in 1539 and, thanks to recent television dramas, we’re more likely to know how Prince Albert brought the tradition of a tree to Queen Victoria and their family at Buckingham Palace.

Stars atop a tree symbolize the star that led the three wisemen to Bethlehem.  Angels on the highest bough also refer to the birth of Jesus and the angels present at the manger.  Despite the association of Christmas trees with Jesus Christ, the first tree didn’t appear in the Vatican until 1982 and it wasn’t until 2004 that Pope John Paul called the Christmas tree a symbol of Christ.

What to Do with a Christmas Tree After Christmas

Getting a tree is romanticized with images of snowy car trips and cocoa.  Disposing of a tree often leaves people at a loss.  Call your local town officials if you’re really stuck.  Towns often help collect trees and some organizations, such as local fire departments, will hold a public bonfire with fellowship and hot chocolate.

If you have a good-sized yard, you can set up a tree to help offer food and shelter to little critters.  Small animals can hide from predators and you can make new ornaments for the tree, including popcorn strands or pinecones slathered with peanut butter.  Make sure you remove all non-organic decorations before you put the tree outside.  Tinsel is no good for wildlife.

Regardless of whether you put up a tree or not, we wish you a Healthy and Happy New Year!