"Oh Tannenbaum"

Given the merry holiday atmosphere that currently surrounds Austin, I couldn’t help but wonder about my favorite holiday tradition – the Christmas tree – and its origins and roots in the U.S.

The Christmas tree tradition was first introduced to Canada in 1781 by German soldiers who protected Quebec against American attacks. Later in 1848, the London news published a picture of the British Royal Family’s Christmas tree in Windsor Castle, which was then copied by Americans and published in Godey’s Lady’s Book (a magazine published in Philadelphia). The image was republished many times in the 1860’s and 1870’s, making it very popular to put up a Christmas tree in North America. While many German immigrants claim to be the first to introduce this tradition to Americans, Godey’s Lady’s Book is known to be the most important channel, responsible for spreading it throughout the country (K. Marling).  

All Christmas trees were initially freshly cut from alpine forests, but during the 19^th century, as an answer to continued deforestation, Germans created the first artificial trees. They were originally made out of green painted feathers, with berries in their tips that acted as candleholders; later, other materials like aluminum and brush bristles were used to create trees. The most recent artificial trees are made out of PVC plastic (recycled from used packaging materials).

Nowadays, there are some people who enjoy having a natural tree in their home (for different reasons such as: its incredible, mesmerizing scent; the sake of tradition and culture; the beautiful look of the evergreen branches; etc.), others, prefer to invest in an artificial, sometimes pre-lit tree, maybe to avoid having to buy a natural one every single year. Nevertheless, recent debates about how the cutting of natural trees affects the environment have made a lot of people reflect and consider switching to artificial.

The truth is, when it comes to this matter, there are two points of view (both very valid and equally important) from which to argue. First, the American Christmas Tree Association (a non-profit organization that represents those involved in the artificial Christmas tree industry) claims that the plastic of which artificial trees are made has excellent recyclable properties.

On the other hand, natural tree growers contend artificial trees are more environmentally harmful than natural ones. Natural trees are cultivated in crops, harvested, and then replanted in rotation after cutting. They provide a suitable habitat for wildlife; however, concerns have been raised about these crops not being a healthy habitat because of the pesticides used to grow trees. Natural trees can also be recycled as mulch, or used to prevent erosion. “Living” trees or potted trees can also be rented from local growers, and returned after the holidays, or purchased and then replanted by the owner. Finally, lead has often been used as a stabilizer to make artificial trees, which after a period of approximately nine years can reach dangerous contamination levels. Nevertheless, in the recent years tin (which is not as dangerous) has been used as a stabilizer.

From my point of view, both options are reasonable. One must be cautious and responsible when purchasing or renting a tree; if artificial, then we must make sure tin has been used as a stabilizer to build it and make sure it is properly recycled if we want to dispose of it. If natural, the most responsible choice would be renting, especially if you don’t have a backyard with proper weather conditions in which to replant your tree; if not, you may buy it and then make sure you dispose of it in a proper tree recycling center where it can be used for making mulch or for other means.  

Here are some pictures of my Christmas tree from last year in Venezuela. It was a natural Fraser Fir tree we purchased from a local vendor.

This year’s budget is really tight! So I think it will be my first Christmas without a natural tree to greet me good morning on every cold December day. However, Central Market carries some very beautiful mini rosemary trees that smell delicious! I think we will give them a try…

DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS

Reference Links:

Biello, David (2008, December 4). I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas (Tree). Scientific American. Retrieved November 24, 2014 from http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/im-dreaming-of-a-green-christmas-tr-08-12-05/

Facts on PVC Used in Artificial Christmas Trees. American Christmas Tree Association. Retrieved November 24, 2014 from http://www.christmastreeassociation.org/Article%20Pages/facts-about-pvc

Levin, R.; Brown, M. J.; Kashtock, M. E. et al. (2008, May 19). Lead Exposures in U.S. Children, 2008: Implications for Prevention. Environmental Health Perspectives. Retrieved November 24, 2014 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2569084/

Maples, Gareth. (2008, June 25). The History of Christmas – A Gift to All. Retrieved November 24, 2014 from http://www.thehistoryof.net/the-history-of-christmas.html

Marling, Karal Ann. Merry Christmas! Celebrating America's Greatest Holiday. Harvard University Press, 2000: 4.