Have you ever wondered why we have Christmas trees? As we count down to Christmas, we look at the origin of the festive tradition, along with other popular customs. From the following the 12 days ...

In 1846, Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert, put up a Xmas tree. They decorated it with toys, candy, popcorn, and cakes. Once word spread, the popularity of Christmas trees took off.

In 1848 the Illustrated London News published a drawing of the royal family celebrating around a decorated Christmas tree, a tradition that was reminiscent of Prince Albert's childhood in Germany.

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“A New York woodsman named Mark Carr is credited with opening the first U.S. Christmas tree lot in 1851,” History.com says.

By the 1920s, the Christmas tree was a firm December favourite. Its popularity soared after Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children featured in a magazine illustration in 1848 enjoying ...