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• A Christmas tree is a popular Christmas tradition. It is typically an evergreen tree that is brought indoors and decorated with lights and ornaments.

• Fast Facts

  1. Also called a holiday tree, yule tree or tannenbaum
  2. May be real or artificial
  3. Sold commercially in the U.S. since approximately 1850University of Illinois Extension: Christmas Tree Facts
  4. An angel or star is usually placed at the top of the tree
  5. Christmas presents are traditionally placed under the tree
  6. Trees harvested in 2002: 20.8 millionCensus.gov: Facts for Features
  7. State with the most Christmas tree farms: PennsylvaniaCensus.gov: Facts for Features
  8. State with the most acres devoted to growing Christmas trees: OregonCensus.gov: Facts for Features

• History

  The tradition dates back the eighth century and Saint Boniface, spreading Christianity by bringing a tree into homes as a symbol of light through Jesus. The first reported use of modern Christmas trees were in the 1500s in Germany. The tradition continued to grow over the following centuries, with the first Christmas trees appearing in the United States in the 1800s.The Christmas Archives: The Chronological History of the Christmas Tree

• Real or Fake

  Opinions are split as to preference of a real evergreen tree or an artificial tree. Many families have the tradition of picking and cutting their own live tree and bringing it home for decoration, while others appreciate the convenience of artificial trees. Real trees can be high maintenance, requiring watering, and cleanup of the falling pine needles and the sticky tree sap, but do bring a pine smell to the surrounding home. Artificial trees can be used year after and do not require the maintenance of a real tree. Many more expensive artificial trees also come pre-lit or pre-decorated, making them a convenient choice.

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