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.

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.

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.

Jay: Where are the Christmas trees grown?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  98 percent of all Christmas trees are grown on farms.

Jay: How much land is used to grow Christmas trees?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  More than 1,000,000 acres of land have been planted with Christmas trees.

Jay: How many trees are planted in the U.S.?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  77 million Christmas trees are planted each year.

Jay: How many Christmas trees are planted per acre?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  On average, over 2,000 Christmas trees are planted per acre.

Jay: What are some safety precautions for getting rid of your Christmas tree?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  You should never burn your Christmas tree in the fireplace. It can contribute to creosote buildup.

Jay: Were pine trees always used as Christmas trees?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  Other types of trees such as cherry and hawthorns were used as Christmas trees in the past.

Jay: Who was first to put electric lights on Christmas trees?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  Thomas Edison's assistants came up with the idea of electric lights for Christmas trees.

Jay: Has the National Christmas Tree ever not been lighted during Christmas?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  In 1963, the National Christmas Tree was not lit until December 22nd because of a national 30-day period of mourning following the assassination of President Kennedy.

Jay: Was the Christmas tree ever banned from White House?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  Teddy Roosevelt banned the Christmas tree from the White House for environmental reasons.

Jay: How much water does a Christmas tree require?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  In the first week, a tree in your home will consume as much as a quart of water per day.

Jay: Has the U.S. government ever intervened with the Christmas tree?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  Tinsel was once banned by the government. Tinsel contained lead at one time, now it's made of plastic.

Jay: Has it always been cold when the National Christmas Tree was lit?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  In 1984, the National Christmas Tree was lit on December 13th with temperatures in the 70s, making it one of the warmest tree lightings in history.

Jay: How many Christmas trees are produced in the U.S.?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  34 to 36 million Christmas trees are produced each year and 95 percent are shipped or sold directly from Christmas tree farms.

Jay: What are the top Christmas tree producing States?
Santa: Ho, ho, ho!  California, Oregon, Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina are the top Christmas tree producing states.

Join Us for one or More of Our Holiday Trips!

Make your discount travel arrangement here!

Source: History.com

<<<Back to Interviews December 2011

<<<Back To December 2011 Edition

Join our email list or "Like" Us on Facebook! to be notified of updates!