Christmas 2024: Where do trees come from? What is mincemeat? All the traditions explained
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There is just over a week to go until Christmas Day and by now your traditions should have got you well and truly in the mood. From sending festive well wishes in cards to putting up trees, buying your favourite food and drink and organising where you will be on the big day – there are a whole host of different ways that people choose to celebrate Christmas.
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Many traditions have been passed down from generation to generation, making their way into every family’s heart and way of life. Christmas film watching is one activity that gets many in the mood, while some may still be trying to find the ultimate presents for all their loved ones.
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But where do these traditions came from?. Here is everything we know. The tradition of decorating trees and placing them in our homes originated in Germany in the 16th century. Protestant reformer Martin Luther was the first person to add lighted candles to a tree after being awestruck by the brilliance of stars twinkling amid the evergreens. He decided to recapture this scene for his family, erecting a tree in the main room decorated with lighted candles.
The first record of one being on display in the US was in the 1830s by German settlers in Pennsylvania. In the UK, the Christmas tree tradition became fashionable in 1846 after Queen Victoria and her German prince husband, Albert, were sketched in the Illustrated London News standing alongside their children surrounding a Christmas tree.
