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 children books about Christmas trees is a wonderful way to spend time under the lights, especially when these stories weave factual information throughout. 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. Continue reading to learn intriguing Christmas tree facts and trivia to share with the family during this holiday season.
Christmas Tree History
Learning about the history of Christmas trees is truly fascinating. It's like unwrapping a gift that reveals a rich blend of cultural evolution, ancient beliefs, and surprising connections. This story, in many ways, is a tiny reflection of human history itself, showing how our beliefs, customs, and technologies all weave together to create the traditions we cherish today. Ultimately, it's a tale of hope, resilience, faith, and a global celebration.

(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) The earliest artificial tree was made from goose feathers.
In 19th-century Germany, the very first artificial Christmas trees were quite unique: they were made from dyed green goose feathers attached to wire branches, all wrapped around a central dowel to form a trunk. This ingenious solution arose from concerns about deforestation and a shortage of real trees. It's a striking contrast to the PVC and aluminum versions we see today, underscoring how people have always adapted and innovated to keep the Christmas tree tradition thriving.

States With the Most Christmas Tree Farms
Christmas tree farms flourish in specific states thanks to a perfect blend of environmental conditions, strong infrastructure, and market demand. Popular varieties such as Fraser, Noble, and Douglas Firs thrive in particular climates, favoring cool temperatures and ample rainfall. Beyond just growing conditions, many farms, especially in states with robust local tourism, enhance their appeal by offering "choose and cut" experiences. These outings allow families to visit the farm and select their own tree, adding a beloved recreational and traditional element that significantly boosts the farms' popularity.

(5) Oregon produces more Christmas trees than any 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.
(6) 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.
(7) 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.
(8) Pennsylvania is often credited with having the most Christmas tree farms.
Pennsylvania is a powerhouse when it comes to Christmas tree farms! The state consistently ranks among the top nationwide for the sheer number of farms, with over 1,400 operations dedicated to growing festive evergreens. In fact, some reports even place Pennsylvania as high as second or third in the country for this impressive metric.
How Long It Takes To Grow Christmas Trees
Christmas trees don't just grow into that perfect, dense, conical shape on their own. Farmers meticulously care for them over many years to achieve that iconic look. When first planted as seedlings, these trees grow quite slowly. They prioritize establishing a strong root system, meaning there's very little height gain in those initial years. Even with farmers aiming for ideal conditions, trees are always subject to the whims of nature. This long growth cycle makes Christmas tree farming a significant, long-term investment. Growers plant far more seedlings than they expect to harvest, anticipating losses from weather, disease, or animals. It's a patient and demanding agricultural pursuit, as they won't see a return on their investment for many years.

(9) 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.
(10) 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.
(11) 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.
(12) Seedlings spend years in a nursery bed.
When they're first planted as tiny seedlings, Christmas trees grow very slowly. Their initial focus is on developing a robust root system. For instance, a 2-foot tall seedling could already be five years old, having spent several years maturing in a nursery bed before even reaching the farm.

Popularity of Real Versus Artificial Christmas Trees
Do people prefer real or artificial Christmas trees? It's a great question, but not one with a simple "yes" or "no" answer. Preference really depends on how you measure it—whether by the sheer number of trees sold annually, or by how many households actually display a particular type. While more homes might display artificial Christmas trees because they're reusable and convenient, there's still a very strong and steady market for real ones. This demand is largely driven by tradition, that unmistakable pine scent, and the unique holiday experience only a natural tree can offer.

(13) 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.
(14) 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.
(15) The authentic scent is the number one reason people prefer real Christmas trees.
The authentic scent of a real Christmas tree is a major reason people choose them, consistently ranking as a top motivator over artificial alternatives. Scent is powerfully tied to memory and emotion, and the fresh, resinous aroma instantly conjures cherished holiday moments, childhood Christmases, and a feeling of pure joy, warmth, and peace.

Symbolism of Christmas Trees
The Christmas tree is a powerful symbol, with a rich history that beautifully blends ancient pagan traditions with Christian interpretations. Long before Christianity, ancient civilizations honored evergreens during the winter solstice. In the bleakest depths of winter, when deciduous trees lost their leaves and nature appeared to "die," these evergreens remained vibrant and green.

(16) 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.
(17) 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 evergreen tree came to represent the eternal life offered through Jesus Christ, particularly His triumph over death. Its unchanging green color further symbolizes God's everlasting love and the eternal nature of faith. The branches are thought to represent immortality, likened to crown of thorns placed on Jesus' head during the crucifixion.
(18) Christmas tree symbolism has ties to ancient pagan roots.
This symbolism is arguably the most fundamental and enduring. Long before Christianity, various ancient cultures like the Egyptians, Romans, Celts, and Norse peoples revered evergreen trees during the winter solstice. In winter's darkest, coldest days, when other plants appeared to "die," evergreens remained vibrantly green. For these cultures, Christmas trees symbolized the perseverance of life, a promise of new growth, and even protection from evil spirits and illness.

Christmas, for countless children, is truly the most magical time of year. Books about the holiday instantly transport them into this wondrous realm, filled with everything they adore: Santa Claus, reindeer, elves, talking snowmen, twinkling lights, generous gifts, and picturesque snowy landscapes. This delightful escape and immersion into a fantastical, joyful world is incredibly appealing to young readers.