To complement our article on the history of Christmas Trees we decided to consult with an expert to elaborate on some other burning questions that most of you have surely had at some point in your life especially this time of year. We are indeed thankful that Mr. Claus was available to impart some knowledge concerning the following Christmas tree trivia:
Jay: When did the Christmas tree craze begin in the U.S.?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since about 1850.
Jay: Has the National Christmas Tree ever been used for other purposes?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! In 1979, the National Christmas Tree was not lighted except for the top ornament. This was done in honor of the American hostages in Iran.
Jay: How were the first trees sold?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! Well, from 1887-1933 a fishing schooner called the Christmas Ship would tie up at the Clark Street Bridge and sell spruce trees from Michigan to Chicagoans.
Jay: Where is the tallest Christmas tree located?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! The tallest living Christmas tree is believed to be the 122-foot, 91-year-old Douglas fir in the town of Woodinville, Washington.
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since about 1850.
Jay: Has the National Christmas Tree ever been used for other purposes?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! In 1979, the National Christmas Tree was not lighted except for the top ornament. This was done in honor of the American hostages in Iran.
Jay: How were the first trees sold?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! Well, from 1887-1933 a fishing schooner called the Christmas Ship would tie up at the Clark Street Bridge and sell spruce trees from Michigan to Chicagoans.
Jay: Where is the tallest Christmas tree located?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! The tallest living Christmas tree is believed to be the 122-foot, 91-year-old Douglas fir in the town of Woodinville, Washington.
Jay: When did they start lighting the tree in New York, and the White House?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition began in 1933. Franklin Pierce, the 14th president, brought the Christmas tree tradition to the White House.
Jay: What President was first to light a Christmas tree on the White House lawn?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony now held every year on the White House lawn.
Jay: Who is behind bringing the tree to the White House?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has given a Christmas tree to the President and first family.
Jay: Are trees shipped directly from where they are grown?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! Most Christmas trees are cut weeks before they get to a retail outlet.
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition began in 1933. Franklin Pierce, the 14th president, brought the Christmas tree tradition to the White House.
Jay: What President was first to light a Christmas tree on the White House lawn?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony now held every year on the White House lawn.
Jay: Who is behind bringing the tree to the White House?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has given a Christmas tree to the President and first family.
Jay: Are trees shipped directly from where they are grown?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! Most Christmas trees are cut weeks before they get to a retail outlet.
Jay: Where was the first community erected in the U.S.?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! In 1912, the first community Christmas tree in the United States was erected in New York City.
Jay: How long does it take to grow a Christmas tree?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! Christmas trees generally take 6-8 years to mature.
Jay: Who grows the trees in the U.S.?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska.
Jay: How many workers are employed in the Christmas tree industry in the U.S.?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! 100,000 people are employed in the Christmas tree industry.
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! In 1912, the first community Christmas tree in the United States was erected in New York City.
Jay: How long does it take to grow a Christmas tree?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! Christmas trees generally take 6-8 years to mature.
Jay: Who grows the trees in the U.S.?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska.
Jay: How many workers are employed in the Christmas tree industry in the U.S.?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! 100,000 people are employed in the Christmas tree industry.
