The roots of the Christmas tree tradition go back to ancient pagan holidays. Pagans decorated their homes with evergreen branches during the Winter Solstice, to remind them that spring wasn't too far away. Some pagans worshipped trees as well. In ancient Rome, temples were decorated with evergreens during Saturnalia, a December holiday. Eventually, Christians began associating Christ's birth with the winter holidays and adopted the evergreen tree, which they saw as a symbol of eternal life. We always have a real tree because I like finding pine needles for the rest of the year. Ours is currently still in it's netting outside. I'll bring it in when I'm asked It's also Lard Day for the humbugs out there.
I should be in the Farm Shop buying a tree. Its blowing a hooley though so I'm sat in the car eating quiche
loft mission accomplished tonight. the tree will go up once I have some mighty fine brandy to toast it with. I used to always have a real tree until I realised how much xmas vets bills cost when you have a cat determined to get pine needles stuck in feet, throat and anywhere else