December 9, 2022, 4:19 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Only about one in eight Christmas tree buyers in Germany decorates the tree on Christmas Eve, according to a recent survey. Many now set up the tree weeks in advance.
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree, how early your buyers are. Millions of households in Germany now set up the Christmas tree much earlier than was traditional in past decades. Weeks before the holiday, lighted trees are now found not only at Christmas markets, in stores, offices, or public foyers, but also in living rooms. A recent survey shows when households in Germany set up their Christmas tree.
When Germans Set Up Their Christmas Tree
“In the past, the last weekend before the holiday was when most people bought their tree; now it’s more likely the second or third Advent,” says Eberhard Hennecke from the Federal Association of Christmas Tree and Greenery Producers (BVWE) to the German Press Agency. The second Advent is this weekend (Dec. 3/4). “The last decade has intensified and accelerated this trend, with people getting their Christmas tree very early and also disposing of it early,” says Hennecke.
Germany may also be adapting to international customs in some ways. In the U.S., for example, many set up the Christmas tree shortly after Thanksgiving (end of November). While the Christmas tree in Germany used to remain up until Epiphany, Jan. 6, during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, it is now often disposed of between the holidays or shortly after New Year’s, says Hennecke, who has been growing Christmas trees in his forestry business for over 30 years.
A current survey by the portal “Statista” examines when Germans set up their Christmas tree. Only 12 percent of Christmas tree buyers wait until Dec. 24 to set up the tree. More than half of the respondents set up the tree in early to mid-December. Thirty-three percent of respondents place and decorate the tree “a few days before Christmas Eve.”
Related: What to Consider When Buying a Christmas Tree
When should you actually start putting up Christmas decorations?
Why Many Decorate the Christmas Tree Only on Christmas Eve
Important Event on Christmas Eve
In the 1970s, setting up and decorating the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve was still the norm and an important event. In Loriot’s 1978 sketch series “Christmas at the Hoppenstedts,” the father (Heinz Meier) says, “First, we’ll finish decorating the tree, then Dicki will recite a poem, then we’ll bring in the presents, then we’ll watch the Christmas program on the first channel, then we’ll unwrap the gifts, and then we’ll make ourselves comfortable…”
Every year, about 27 million Christmas trees are sold in Germany, generating revenue between 500 and 550 million euros. Christmas tree producer Hennecke in Sundern in the Hochsauerland says, “In the past, there was more patience during Advent; today, people live into the Christmas season for weeks.”
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic and the policy of contact restrictions in recent years have strengthened the desire for a cozy home for many, leading them to want to make it nice with a tree in a small group early on. As there are still obviously challenging times, he sees no end to this need, says Hennecke.
A recent representative survey by the opinion research institute YouGov on behalf of the German Press Agency found that more than half of consumers plan to spend less around Christmas this year due to high energy and food prices. This includes considering spending less on gifts or food and the intention to forgo a Christmas tree in 2022 or at least buy a smaller one.
The prices for Christmas trees are expected to remain roughly at last year’s level. However, this could change in 2023, partly because of a lack of personnel and more producers possibly quitting. So far, Germany is the largest Christmas tree producer in Europe.
Development Stages of the Christmas Tree
Paradise tree, sugar tree, light tree, Christmas tree, fir tree–the Christmas tree has gone through many stages of development.
- Paradise Tree: The Christmas tree originated from the Paradise play, performed in the Middle Ages before the nativity play. A fir tree was used as the Paradise tree because it remained green in winter. Red apples were hung on its branches, which later evolved into Christmas ornaments.
- Sugar Tree: Medieval guilds adopted the Paradise tree and over time transformed it into a gift tree adorned with sweets. After the holiday, this “sugar tree” was “plucked” by the children.
- Light Tree: In the 17th century, the Protestant nobility decorated the previously unlit tree with candles. Gifts were now placed under the tree.
Also interesting: The Bizarre History of the Pickle in the Christmas Tree
Over time, the light tree was also adopted by the Protestant bourgeoisie and exported to America. In England, the German consort of Queen Victoria, Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1819-1861), helped spread the tree’s popularity.
- Christmas Tree: Catholics were long skeptical of the custom; as late as 1896, a Catholic priest mocked Protestantism as a “fir tree religion.” It wasn’t until after 1900 that the tree was fully accepted across all social classes and denominations and was more often called a Christmas tree.
- O Christmas Tree: One of the most famous Christmas carols is dedicated to the Christmas tree. “O Christmas Tree” traces back to a Silesian folk song from the 16th century.