The decoration of Christmas trees were brought to Britain from Germany as early as the 1790s. Trees were generally displayed on tables in pots, with gifts placed unwrapped underneath. The tree was decorated with wax candles, baskets of sweets, flags and little ornaments and gifts. The imported German Springelbaum was the tree of choice until the 1880s, at which time the home-grown Norway Spruce became available. This made a larger tree more affordable, and people began placing trees on the floor.
SNIPS & SNAPS 
The idea of a naked flame on a Christmas tree has always sent a shiver down my spine – not the good kind.
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In the snow outside yes, but I agree inside… wonder how many accidents there were?
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Loads, I suspect, even if they were used to dealing with naked flames.
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When I was a child, we always had real candles on the tree, and lit them for about 15 minutes every evening. It was such a special time, and we were so transfixed by the tree and its magical light, I’m sure there was no danger. I get shivers down the spine as I remember it – the good kind!
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I think if you’re going to have candles it’s sensible to light them for a very short period when everyone is looking at them and paying attention. I can see that there’s not a lot of danger there.
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I remember a candle-lit tree at my grandparents’ house, when I was very small. Then, perhaps because I was very small, the decision to adopt the new-fangled electric lights was made.
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Interesting – I have never seen a Christmas tree with real candles on them
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That would have been about 1948 or 1949, and my grandparents weren’t that long away from the old country — Sweden — so we kept a lot of the old customs.
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Ahhh! That explains it – Wow!
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I replied to Avril’s comment before I realised there had been quite a discussion about candles. When I was growing up – in the 1950s and 60s,. it was relatively easy to buy special candle holders for use on the tree. Then round about the late 60s, it became difficult, so when our candle holders gradually fell apart, well, that was it. I still regret their passing. I’m surprised these new-fangled electric ones have caught on 😉 !
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I hope you don’t mind me leaving a link to an outdoor Christmas tree that I admired many years ago.
Many people now use this photo.
A little thanks for the interesting Advent posts, SOL!
Cheers, JBS
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That’s wonderful – go ahead!
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Beautiful!
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