Unlike some of the other members of the editorial team, I absolutely love Christmas. I say this with eyes wide open I hope – acknowledging full well that its ties to religion are tenuous, and that the season is now highly capitalistic by design.

Still, it’s hard not to be enchanted by the spirit of festivity, the caroling and the jingles, and the twinkling, Christmas lights. (If you’re lucky enough to own car in Singapore, ambling slowly down a jammed-up Orchard Road on Christmas Day itself with your family can be a simple thrill; you’ll get to soak the lights in right beneath them, without having to physically jostle with the crowds.)

Of course, it’s also hard not to be enchanted by one of the most defining visual icons of the season. And no, I’m not talking about Santa.

Unsurprisingly, the idea of a 'Christmas tree' is also a social construct that came to be over the centuries

The Origins and Symbolism of Christmas Trees

We don’t question it now, but one specific tree has come to define the splendour of the season.

From being the centrepiece of ancient traditions, to now standing as the centrepiece of homes around the world, the history of the Christmas tree is apparently quite a long one.

It apparently dates all the way back to ancient times - we’re talking the times of the Ancient Egyptians, Romans and the Vikings - when various cultures celebrated evergreen plants as symbols of life during the bleak winter months.

Evergreen trees featured prominently in the winter solstice celebrations of the Egyptians, Romans, and Norse peoples, signifying eternal life and resilience against darkness. These pre-Christian traditions were imbued with spiritual symbolism, encapsulating themes of hope and renewal that resonated throughout these cultures.

Singaporeans idealise the image of it, but it's easy to imagine the onset of feelings of bleakness when you're freezing for months on end with no green in sight

The Christian adaptation of the Christmas tree, on the other hand, ostensibly began in Germany during the Middle Ages.

Here, the "paradise tree" - an indoor evergreen decorated to represent the Garden of Eden -became a fixture in Christian celebrations. Protestant reformer Martin Luther is often credited with popularising decorated trees in homes, inspired by the beauty of starlight filtering through the branches.

In the centuries that followed, the Christmas tree grew in popularity, propelled partly by the endorsement of historical figures like Queen Victoria. The tree's adornment with ornaments and lights symbolised Christ's light and salvation, encapsulating the spiritual transformation the tree would undergo over the ages.

Today, however, the Christmas tree is a globally recognised emblem of the holiday season, celebrated in diverse ways across various cultures. Decorative elements often hold symbolic meanings - lights representing hope and joy, while specific ornaments narrate familial stories or cultural narratives.

Spruce trees are one of the three main types of evergreens used typically as Christmas trees (Single spruce tree pictured centre-left)

Which Kind of Tree Is a Christmas Tree?

Of course, it’s important to know that Christmas trees aren’t a monolithic species of trees too; the most common ones you’re likely to find in a nursery are firs, spruces and pines – all evergreens – which fittingly gained their popularity by symbolising endurance and hope amidst winter's gloom.

Christmas trees are as diverse as the holiday traditions they inspire.

Some of the most celebrated options include the Fraser Fir, favoured for its blue-green needles and superior needle retention. Grown primarily in the Appalachian Mountains, this tree's pleasant aroma makes it a classic choice in both homes and city centres.

Fir tree leaves are commonly referred to as needles, in reference to their shape - you'll note that they often release a balsamic scent when crushed!

Similarly, the Douglas Fir is renowned for its soft, light-green needles and appealing scent, cultivated extensively across Christmas tree-producing states.

For those seeking unique alternatives, the Nordmann Fir provides a glossy, dark green hue and robust branch structure suitable for abundant decorations, primarily grown in the Pacific Northwest. Meanwhile, pine varieties, such as the Scotch Pine, are cherished for their dark green needles and ability to support heavy ornaments, offering a traditional yet vibrant display.

Why Are They Called Christmas Trees?

But let’s address an important question: The Christmas tree wasn’t always called ‘Christmas tree’.

Instead, the term as we know it today traces its roots to Germany during the 16th century, where the tradition of decorating evergreens for winter celebrations started gaining popularity.

These trees were brought indoors and adorned with apples and candles, embodying both life and the light of the festive season. As this custom spread to English-speaking regions, the name "Christmas tree" naturally emerged to reflect the tradition’s association with the holiday celebrating Christ’s birth.

Then, the worldwide recognition of Christmas trees accelerated in the 19th century thanks, in part, to the British royal family. Queen Victoria was apparently pivotal in this process, with her embrace of the tradition, popularised through illustrated publications, sparking increased enthusiasm for festive trees in both England and America. As immigrants from Germany settled in these regions, they further cemented the Christmas tree’s popularity.

The annual Christmas light-up along Orchard Road never gets old (2024 light-up pictured, Image credit: The Transport Enthusiast DC/Unsplash)

The Popular Rise of Christmas Trees in Singapore

Of course, Singapore – being so exposed to globalisation - has embraced the enchanting tradition of Christmas trees, with developers all over the island (though most prominently along Orchard Road) transforming our urban landscape into a festive wonderland.

Malls and prominent venues lead this celebration, showcasing unique and imaginative displays. 2025’s highlights include a futuristic Chanel-inspired structure at Ion Orchard and Plaza Singapura's Nintendo Switch-themed creation. While Christmas trees may not be traditionally rooted in local culture, one can argue that their presence in Singapore signifies a harmonious blend of global and cultural values.

With all due respect to the religious significance of the season, here, I think it’s worth pointing out that there’s actually some value for us all in embracing Christmas simply as a year-end festive season (with all its capitalistic underpinnings):

It offers a chance for Singaporeans of all backgrounds to unite in joy, forging a communal spirit that actually lines up perfectly with our nation's evergreen (hur hur) goal of building bridges across diversity.

Merry Christmas (belatedly) everyone! 

- All images from Unsplash