- The Christmas tree tradition originated in Germany, where people decorated trees with candles and ornaments.
- Martin Luther is credited with adding lights to the tree, inspired by the stars he saw through the trees.
- The first recorded use of a Christmas tree in America was in 1747 by German settlers in Pennsylvania.
- Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularized the Christmas tree in England after a drawing of their family around a tree was published in 1848.
- The White House has had a Christmas tree since 1889, when President Benjamin Harrison placed one in the Blue Room.
- Artificial Christmas trees were first made in Germany in the 19th century from dyed goose feathers.
- The tallest Christmas tree ever recorded was 221 feet tall and was erected in Seattle, Washington, in 1950.
- Tinsel was originally made from real silver but was later replaced with plastic due to its corrosive effect on tree needles.
- The Christmas tree became a symbol of the holiday season in the United States after being featured in movies and advertisements in the 20th century.
- The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City is lit annually and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of history of christmas worksheet.
