A Brief History of Holiday Traditions
Holiday Traditions: The Christmas Tree
Pages
Holiday Traditions: An IntroductionHoliday Traditions: The FeastHoliday Traditions: The Christmas TreeHoliday Traditions: The SnowmanHoliday Traditions: Outdoor ActivitiesHoliday Traditions: Resources
William G. Goodman and John G. Strathy pose with their Christmas tree in front of Brock Theatre Details
The Christmas Tree wasn’t always the main feature of a house during the holiday season. In fact, having a tree inside the house wasn’t considered fashionable in England until the 1820s. It is thought that the tradition came to England from Germany where some families decorated fir trees to symbolize the promise of salvation and redemption.
It is thought that Queen Victoria’s husband, Price Albert, popularized the tradition of Christmas Trees in England. Being of German decent, Prince Albert grew up decorating the Christmas Tree and in 1841 had one installed at Windsor Palace. Queen Victoria, who was familiar with the German tradition because of her German ancestors, and Prince Albert decorated the tree with glass ornaments, candles, tinsel, fruits, sweets, and gingerbread.
The first recorded presence of a Christmas Tree in Canada was in 1781 in Sorel, Quebec at a party hosted by Baroness Riedesel for wealthy British and Germans.
It is thought that Queen Victoria’s husband, Price Albert, popularized the tradition of Christmas Trees in England. Being of German decent, Prince Albert grew up decorating the Christmas Tree and in 1841 had one installed at Windsor Palace. Queen Victoria, who was familiar with the German tradition because of her German ancestors, and Prince Albert decorated the tree with glass ornaments, candles, tinsel, fruits, sweets, and gingerbread.
The first recorded presence of a Christmas Tree in Canada was in 1781 in Sorel, Quebec at a party hosted by Baroness Riedesel for wealthy British and Germans.
