There has been neither an identifiable inventor or any specific town that has been known to be responsible for our great tradition we identify as, (The Christmas Tree.) although it can be traced back to 16th century Germany. It was not until the 17th century did the family Christmas tree enter many family homes, mostly royalty.

Several cities in the United States claim to have had the first Christmas Tree. It is said that a Hessian soldier back in 1777 while imprisoned in the Noden-Reed House in New England put up a Christmas tree making it the first in the state. Easton, Pennsylvania claims to have also had the first Christmas tree in America. It's said German settlers erected the Christmas tree in 1816. A gentleman by the name of Charles Follen, a German immigrant from Boston, is said to have introduced the art of decorating the tree.

Today our beloved Christmas tree is more popular than ever, and can be seen to enjoy in almost every part of the world. The Rockefeller Center Tree is one of the most spectacular Christmas trees in the world.

Some but not all rush out to find the perfect Christmas tree weeks before the actual Holiday. The old tradition of venturing out in the woods to find and cut down your own tree has become almost extinct. One can now easily have their pick of many beautiful Christmas trees (real, or fake) just by visiting their local department store.

I must say I still overwhelmingly choose the calming and alluring scent of a live Christmas tree, be it pine or evergreen, but that's just me!

Learn more about this author, Barbara Watkins.
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