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Many of us take the time and effort to put Christmas trees up during the festive period.
But if you're short on space with excitable children running around the living room, it isn't always the most practical idea. Thankfully though, it doesn't mean you need to miss out on decorations.
That's because parents have shared a brilliant hack to stop Christmas trees from falling down – and it takes up a lot less room in your home too.
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Originally posted on Facebook, a mum revealed she had made a DIY Christmas tree wall decoration. She captioned it: "Idea, for mommies who have a toddler."
In the image, two pieces of wood have been put together in a triangular shape before a long fake fir branch was threaded through and around. The savvy mum also added fairy lights and popped an ornament on top.
The hack first went viral in the Hinch Army House Decorating Inspiration And Tips. group on Facebook, being shared more than 240,000 times. And it remains popular to this very day.
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Many called the idea "genius", with one commenter writing: "This is a fantastic Idea for people who don't have the space for a tree… in fact it's just a great idea full stop."
Another added: "Love it, brilliant idea." And a third remarked: "Great idea for small house."
Why do we have Christmas trees, anyway?
Apparently, evergreen trees were a fascination for Pagans around the 4th century. They saw them as a symbol of life – and were brought into their homes and decorated.
The in Roman times, evergreen wreaths were hung during the festival Saturnalia. This was held from December 17 to December 23.
Although it wasn’t Christmas, but a celebration of the god Saturn, there are similarities between the Roman festivity and Christmas traditions. This includes giving gifts, having big feasts and the inclusion of fir trees.
Despite all that, the modern version of the Christmas tree reportedly originates from 16th/17th century Germany. It’s thought that religious reformer Martin Luther, who died back in 1546, is the man behind the tradition – particularly when it comes to the idea of decorating a tree with candles.
However, others argue that it was in the 1600s that devout Christian families in Germany put up a Tannenbaum (fir tree) for the festive season. Christmas trees are said to have not been popular in the UK or the US at that time – as they were often considered symbolic of Paganism.
This apparently changed in 1846, when Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert, sent out an illustrated holiday card in 1846. In the card, they were gathered around a Christmas tree that was decorated with dozens of baubles and an angel on top, while they posed alongside their children.
It sparked a major trend in the UK as The Royal Family were very popular during the time. The tradition has since lasted, with baubles, ornaments, sweet treats and candles behind put on trees ever since.
- Christmas
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