The Origin of Christmas Trees Long ago, before there were any Christmas trees inside homes, people would decorate outdoor trees with bits of food and shiny objects. The very first Christmas trees as we know them appeared in Germany during the 16th century. They were brought inside homes and decorated with candles, which was a sight to behold!

Trees from Around the World While many Christmas trees are evergreens like spruce, pine, and fir, which remain green throughout the year, different parts of the world use various trees. In New Zealand, the ‘Pohutukawa’ is known as their Christmas tree, and in India, the ‘Mango’ tree takes on this festive role.

A Symphony of Lights Did you know that the first string of electric Christmas lights were created by Edward Johnson in 1882? Before that, people used candles to light up their trees, which was quite risky! Now, we have all sorts of lights in many colors and shapes, making the tree shine bright without any worries.

Decorations Galore The decorations on a Christmas tree are not just pretty; they have meanings too. For example, a star or an angel is often placed at the top of the tree, representing the Star of Bethlehem or the angels who announced the birth of Jesus. Each ornament can tell a story, from glass balls to handmade crafts, each adding a unique touch to the tree.

Christmas Trees Today Today, Christmas trees have become a central part of holiday celebrations. Many families enjoy choosing their tree together and then decorating it with ornaments collected over the years. Some even have themes for their trees, like winter wonderland or classic red and green!

Join us in this festive exploration and bring the Christmas tree to life with your colors. Download the coloring page and add your personal touch to the twinkling lights and cheerful ornaments!