Exterior and Artificial

With the invention of electric bulb garlands, America gave a new look to the traditional Christmas tree. As of 1912, the first illuminated Christmas trees could be seen at public places in the city of Boston. Exterior Christmas trees rapidly became popular in America. After World War I, this novelty reached Europe and became widespread around the middle of the 20th century.

Towards the end of the 19th century, another change occurred to the traditional Christmas tree: The artificial tree. The oldest ones come from Germany, and are made of metal wiring and goose or turkey feathers, tinted green to imitate evergreen needles. From 1900 to 1950, the production of large trees made of ostrich or swan feathers were seen in hotels, stores and wealthy homes.

In Canada, exterior illuminated trees are very popular. The winter climate combines the black of night with the white of snow, beautifully contrasting with the gaiety of multicolored decorations. In suburban regions, there are almost as many trees outside the houses as inside. In Alberta, with the approach of winter solstice, the days become shorter. A clear sky and a fresh coat of snow often is an ideal background to illuminated decorations. Customs and holidays in Alberta often reflect customs from Northern Europe and middle age pastorals with the use of fire and lights during the month of Christmas.