Many of us spend countless hours perfecting our homes, choosing furnishings and accessories to make the most of the interiors, but each year, as December comes around, we find ourselves looking to add that extra special touch of embellishment to celebrate the festive season and make our guests feel warm and welcome!
Amongst the many traditions your family will celebrate at this time of year, there is one in particular that you may have already enjoyed or are planning very soon. Of course, we are talking about decorating your home and more specifically putting up your Christmas tree.
Every family is different, with some counting down the days until December 1st, so they can put up their tree while others wait until a couple weeks before the big day!
Decorating your tree is an annual tradition enjoyed all over the world although many of us don’t know the significance of doing so. Traditionally, Christmas trees were used to celebrate the winter solstice, with evergreens reminding people of the green plants that would return during the summer and it was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who introduced the Christmas tree to the UK back in 1846.
Perhaps one of the most famous and celebrated Christmas trees is the Rockefeller Centre’s in New York, which is decorated with over 25,000 lights and celebrates the light switch on each year, with a large outdoor party. However the first tree to be put up here, in 1931, featured no lighting or decoration.
Nowadays, we also adorn the trees in our homes with decorations and lights, but there is one big decision that we must make – real or artificial?
For many a real tree can give a sense of nostalgia stemming from family tradition and some love that authentic smell of fresh pine. For others, an artificial tree may seem much more convenient, as you can store it away for next year and have the added bonus of no pine needles to clear up!
Whatever you choose, we’re sure the focus will be on the many different styles that you choose to adorn the tree. While some people like to cover their tree in decoration, others go for a slightly more minimal look, some may be traditional and others more modern– it all depends on your individual taste and maybe even the style and colour scheme of your home!
Whatever your preference, decorating your tree is a celebration to enjoy with all the family year after year! We would love to see all your masterpieces so please feel free to share your Christmas tree photos with us!!
