On this Christmas Day, most Québec homes are adorned with twinkling lights, garlands, and, of course, the centerpiece of the festivities: the Christmas tree, dressed in its finest ornaments.

Though Christmas is rooted in religious tradition, the Christmas tree itself has pagan origins. Long before it became an integral part of holiday celebrations, evergreens were used to mark the winter solstice. To ward off the cold and bring hope, people would decorate their homes with branches, trees, or other evergreens as symbols of life and renewal.

Gradually, this practice found its way into Christian celebrations, and the tree became adorned with candles and ornaments. Initially more popular in Europe, the Christmas tree gained prominence in North America after a famous 1848 engraving of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert standing by their decorated tree crossed the Atlantic.

The First Christmas Tree in Canada

However, the Christmas tree tradition predates this in Canada. Historians trace the first recorded Christmas tree in the country back to 1781 in Sorel, Québec, where German-born Baroness Riedesel organized a traditional celebration, complete with a Christmas tree.

From Candles to Electric Lights

Before the advent of electricity, candles were the only way to light the Christmas tree, often leading to unfortunate fires during the festive season. This changed in 1896, when the first electric Christmas lights in Canada were introduced in the Westmount neighborhood of Montreal, marking a safer and more dazzling era for holiday decorations.

From Edible to Fragile Ornaments

The modern Christmas tree, as we know it, draws much of its inspiration from Germany. It was in the small German town of Lauscha that the first glass ornaments were created in the 1860s.

The iconic red bauble is a nod to the apples that traditionally adorned early evergreen trees. These delicate decorations made their way to North America in 1890, thanks to American businessman F.W. Woolworth, who introduced them through his chain of stores.

Trees of All Kinds

Today, creativity knows no bounds when it comes to decorating Christmas trees. Traditional conifers are sometimes replaced with plants, palm trees, or even abstract objects, while ornaments come in all shapes, sizes, and colors—ranging from whimsical to classic designs.

For most Québécois who celebrate Christmas, the tree is more than just a decoration—it’s a cherished symbol of joy and togetherness. It serves as the centerpiece for creating memories with family and friends, preserving its roots as a symbol of celebration and happiness amidst an ever-evolving tradition.