Christmas trees take center stage around the holiday, drawing families around with an almost magnetic force. Whether parents take their kids to a farm or local retailer to buy a tree, the process of finding the perfect size and shape is always fun and full of debate. But what most people don't understand is the amount of work and time invested before the selection of trees is even ready to take home and decorate. The process starts years before in a nursery with the planting of tiny seedlings that are eventually transferred to a field. From there, it takes a couple of years for them to grow into big, beautiful trees ready to be adorned with ornaments and lights. Here are some interesting facts about Christmas trees to talk about with your family this holiday. Everyone will walk away with a a better appreciation for this centerpiece of the holiday season.
Christmas Tree Trivia To Share With Your Kids
They are the centerpiece of homes around the holidays. They brighten up a room with twinkling lights and sentimental ornaments that remind family members of special moments in time. The tree is a place where people come together to sit quietly, exchange presents, and share laughter. Reading books about Christmas trees is a wonderful way to spend time under the lights. Learn about the interesting history, how they are grown, fascinating traditions around the world,and how decorating them has become one of the most time-honored activities for families every holiday season.
Christmas Tree History
The origin of the Christmas tree is traced back to the Middle Ages in Germany.
In 1419, a guild who lived in Freiburg set up a tree adorned with gingerbread, tinsel, apples, and flour-paste wafers. Historians say that by the 1500s, devout Christians across Germany were decorating trees inside their homes.
Dating back to the middle of the 17th century, small candles were used to decorate trees.
It was sometime during the 16th century that candles were also added. As the story goes, a Protestant reformed named Martin Luther wanted to bring the magic of twinkling stars into his home, so he affixed lit candles to the branches.
By the late 19th century, electric lights replaced candles.
Obviously, this is an extreme fire hazard that becomes even riskier as the branches dry out. In 1882, Edward Johnson (Thomas Edison's assistant) suggested the electric lights would be safer option to light up trees. By 1890, electric Christmas tree lights were mass produced and quickly replaced the hazardous candles.
States With the Most Christmas Tree Farms
Oregon produces more Christmas trees than every other state.
With more than 1000 Christmas tree farms, the state grow close 4 million Christmas trees every year, which represents about 30% of total growth in the US. Sales in this state alone top $120 million per year. The top-selling trees in Oregon include the Douglas, Noble, Grand, and Nordmann firs.
North Carolina is the second top producing state.
An estimated 5 to 6 million trees, translating into $100 million in sales, are produced in North Carolina. The state is recognized for its North Carolina Fraser fir, the tree selected for the White House thirteen times and counting. A contest sponsored by the National Christmas Tree Association has repeatedly voted this one as the best.
Michigan is the number three state for the highest production.
Approximately 3 million trees are grown and distributed by Michigan every Christmas. The White Pine and the Balsam Fir are the two most popular trees native to Michigan, thriving in the weather conditions associated the state. There are 560 Christmas tree farms spanning 37,000 acres producing non-native species as well, including the Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, and Blue Spruce among others.
How Long It Takes To Grow Christmas Trees
It takes about a decade to grow a tall Christmas tree.
A 7 foot tree takes about 10 to 12 years to grow. The process starts with seeds planted in a nursery, where they are nurtured for 2 to 3 years. From there, the immature trees are replanted at an outdoor Christmas tree farm where they continue to grow for an additional 8 years.
On average, a marketable tree is available after 6 to 7 years of growth.
There are a lot of different factors that affect rate of growth, like the climate, species, and level of care provided by farmers. When all of the data is compiled across the markets, the average comes out to between six and seven years before the most popular trees are available for sale.
The rate of growth varies by species.
Some of the faster growing types, including the Norway Spruce and Douglas Fir, add 12 to 15 inches a year. Alternatively, Nordmann Firs only grow about 4 to 5 inches annually. The average across all types is reportedly 9 to 12 inches of annual growth.
Popularity of Real Versus Artificial Christmas Trees
Real trees are more popular than artificial trees.
Recent market research indicates that more than 21 million real trees and 13 million artificial trees are purchased by U.S. households annually for the Christmas season. In addition to the scent, real trees can be turned into mulch, dragged into a wooded area creating a new habitat, or left to biodegrade back into the earth.
Consumers who buy artificial trees prefer the one-time purchase.
People who buy artificial trees often cite the cost savings in making a one-time purchase rather than buying a tree every single year. As the cost of real trees continue to rise, going the artificial route can be appealing. The one major issue, however, is the fact that fake trees are not biodegradable. Even after years of use, the plastic trees will eventually end up in landfills.
Symbolism of Christmas Trees
Every year Norway gives a Christmas tree to England.
This traditional gift began in 1947 as an expression of appreciation for the support Britain provided during World War II. The majestic tree is displayed in Trafalgar Square. While people may be in awe of the size and beauty of this masterpiece, many may not know that this tree, weighing about four tons and standing thirty meters tall, travels all the way from Nordmarka, right outside of Oslo. Another fun fact about this Christmas tree is that it is a Norway spruce aged 50 or 60 years before being cut and shipped across the North Sea.
Christmas trees have a lot of symbolism in Christianity.
Decorated trees with twinkling lights are always associated with Christmas, but children may not know exactly why. In fact, many little ones believe its purpose is to provide a pretty place for Santa to deposit some presents. However,it is a much more religious symbol associated with the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The branches are thought to represent immortality, likened to crown of thorns placed on Jesus' head during the crucifixion.
Beautiful Christmas Books to Read With You Children