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Christmas Tree Tradition: From Pagan Roots to 30 Million Sales

12/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Christmas tree tradition in the United States began with German immigrants in the mid-1700s, facing Puritan resistance as a pagan symbol.
By the 1830s, it gained acceptance, influenced by Queen Victoria's family tree decoration in Britain.
The first commercial Christmas tree farm opened in 1901.
Today about 25–30 million real Christmas trees are sold annually in the United States, led by Oregon and North Carolina.

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Story summary

The Christmas tree tradition in the United States began with German immigrants in the mid-1700s, facing Puritan resistance as a pagan symbol.
By the 1830s, it gained acceptance, influenced by Queen Victoria's family tree decoration in Britain.
The first commercial Christmas tree farm opened in 1901.
Today about 25–30 million real Christmas trees are sold annually in the United States, led by Oregon and North Carolina.