The fragrant, pine scented green heart of our Christmas celebrations, the Christmas tree, originated in Germany. However, the custom of using the whole tree as the focal point of Christmas festivities is a recent one.
Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, introduced the idea to Britain in 1841 - a Christmas customer since his childhood in Germany.A splendid decorated tree in Windsor Castle featured in the Illustrated London News and the fashion swept the land
From its earliest days, the tree lovingly decorated and with gifts laid beneath it, was especially popular with children. In fact, the tree is for families when many like myself, decorate it on Christmas Eve, with the family members gathered around, sipping mulled wine and it a memorable experience.
Christmas still remains an intensely personal experience for everyone, a time of sharing peace and goodwill among family and friends: the tree and the gifts embody this mood and will continue to do so as long as we celebrate the joy of Christmas.
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