Christmas Family Traditions
A symbol of life that is older than Christianity itself, a real Christmas tree becomes part of the very fabric of a family’s Christmas traditions. When families choose a real Christmas tree, they are honoring and participating in a tradition that dates back over a thousand years.
Each family creates its own traditions and customs that are passed down from generation to generation. A Christmas tree farm harkens memories of a simpler time when families spend time together and find their perfect tree. New York State Christmas tree growers are dedicated to helping you create memories that last a lifetime. Choose a farm-grown Christmas tree, and make family traditions of your own.
Begin your own Christmas tradition by choosing a New York Christmas Tree Farm in your area, and make it a family outing. Your children will remember this for rest of their lives and make it their own tradition later in life with their children.
Many Christmas tree farms also enjoy visits from Santa and his Elves, reindeer and other farm animals, a Christmas manger, bonfires, gifts, wreaths, and refreshment shops on the premises. It can be a lot of fun!
For thousands of years, the evergreen fir (or what we call a Christmas tree) has adorned mankind’s hearth and home. Pagans used branches to decorate their homes during the long nights of the winter solstice. Those living during the Roman Empire decorated their temples with fir trees when celebrating Saturnalia, or the festival celebrating their most important God, Saturn. Christians later adopted the Christmas tree as a symbol of everlasting life with God.
When the tradition migrated to Northern Europe, probably around 1,000 years ago, trees were hung upside down from the ceiling. Other traditions in Europe included using cherry or hawthorn plants, potted and brought inside. If these were unavailable, there are depictions of wood pyramids decorated with paper, apples, and candles.
The concept of Christmas trees that we now know comes from 16th century Germany. It is said that preacher Martin Luther was walking through the forest and looked up at the stars shining through the evergreen branches. He proclaimed that it reminded him of Jesus, who left the stars of Heaven to come to earth at Christmas.
This is just one of several legends of how the Christmas tree came into the home. We know for certain, early German trees were decorated with fruit, gingerbread, and small glass ornaments. Before the angels topped the tree, a figure of the baby Jesus, sometimes lying in a manger, watched over the home.
It was over 200 years before the tradition of the Christmas tree migrated to England in the 1830s from German immigrants. The very fashionable Queen Victoria and her husband, Albert, popularized the tradition by setting up a large tree at Windsor Castle. Pictures were published in papers and magazines for the entire world to see.
The Christmas tree became popular in the United States soon after. In 1895, American Ralph Morris invented the first electric Christmas lights. A big thanks to Mr. Morris for making our Christmas brighter and safer!
The first Christmas tree farm probably appeared around the turn of the century, when 25,000 Norway spruce trees were planted in Trenton, New Jersey. The trees were sold seven years later for $1.00. V.W. McGillard pioneered an industry that is thriving today!
