Christmas Trees
How do you like your trees at Christmas?
When Terroir was little the tree which arrived in our living room every December was a Norway spruce (Picea abies). This is the same species of tree which the city of Oslo donates to London every year as a memorial to the welcome and support offered to the exiled King of Norway and his government, during the Second World War. Newcastle receives a Norway spruce from its twin city of Bergen, also to commemorate support and friendship provided during the war years.
So perhaps it is unsurprising that, for decades, the Norway spruce was the Christmas tree of choice in most British households. Actually, from memory, it was the only tree available and one of us can remember being shocked when other species began to be introduced. What? Break tradition with the Norwegian Spruce?
Above: a somewhat undernourished Norway Spruce, decorated to look like a maiden aunt and relegated to the Christmas garden
But we did and it’s now a Nordmann or Caucasian Fir (Abies Nordmanniana) (left) which provides the centre piece of our Christmas decorations. Glossy green and better suited to modern centrally heated homes, this native of eastern Turkey, Georgia and the Russian Caucasus holds its needles, tinsel and baubles with panache.
Are we being unfaithful to our British roots (pun intended)? How did non-native conifers become the symbol of a British Christmas? We can blame Prince Albert and Queen Victoria for starting that tradition, of course, although most of us have drawn the line at adopting the custom of opening our presents on Christmas Eve!
Our national tree is, of course, the mighty Oak and one can understand why this didn’t really catch on as the arboreal decoration of choice for a winter celebration, particularly for those of us who don’t live in baronial halls and palaces.
In out pre-Christmas travels, however, we did see many natives which would have made splendid outdoor Christmas trees. Let us celebrate these while we cover our non-native conifers in angels and stars. Here is a small collection of outdoor Christmas trees:
Above: our mighty English Oaks - determined to show their versatility by presenting themselves as pre decorated for Christmas but just missing that trad green and red theme!
These Christmas trees also come pre-decorated: with mistletoe (above left) and baubles (on a rather plain plane, above right)
Trees also come complete with back- or fore-grounds. These theatrical compositions are the perfect addition to your festive landscape. Above left: a valley landscape with train and, right, the monumental look, perfect for your Christmas lunch.
Alas (right) not all hair styles truly reflect the 21st century Christmas tradition but somebody always wants to stand out. Welcome everybody to your table!
We wish all our readers a very happy Christmas and all best wishes for the New Year.