This year I’m spending Christmas in Manhattan, which means scaling things down — but of course not the level of cosiness. After choosing a cute, real fir tree, decorations followed: lights and a variety of ornaments.

But have you ever wondered where this tradition actually comes from?

It goes back much further than modern Christmas decor. Evergreen trees were used in winter long before Christmas, especially in Northern Europe, as symbols of life during the darkest part of the year. The Christmas tree as we know it today is often traced back to Germany in the 16th century, when decorated trees were first brought indoors. Early decorations included apples, nuts, and candles (some people still swear by using real ones).

But for me, it’s not really about the decorations — it’s about having a small piece of nature at home, and of course, that unmistakable fresh scent…